Protesters who ended their pickets outside factory gates have been thanked by the Independent Farmers of Ireland, the group which emerged to represent several pickets in recent weeks.

In a statement, the group thanked “all the brave men and women who … made the difficult decision to stand down tonight”.

A spokesperson for the Independent Farmers said: “It is quite clear that the majority of the protesters have decided that the proposal agreed last Sunday provides the best blueprint for the future.

Foundation

“While the proposal is not ideal it is clear that the majority of people feel it can provide a solid foundation for the future.”

The spokesperson added that the protesters had started their action for the greater good and that by walking away they were doing the same.

“Hopefully over the weekend other protests will decide to follow the same course of action and perhaps next week we will all be able to return our farms with a hopeful view to the future,” the statement concluded.

Pickets

The Independent Farmers of Ireland said to date 11 pickets had stood down with another one preparing to do so over the weekend.

Protests outside Dawn Charleville, Dawn Grannagh, Dawn Ballyhaunis and Kepak Watergrasshill ended on Friday night, it said.

The final protesters had also left ABP Cahir, Dawn Slane, ABP Ferrybank, Slaney Foods, ABP Nenagh, ABP Rathkeale and Ashbourne Meats Roscrea prior to this. ABP Clones protesters were preparing to stand down at the weekend, the group said.

Spokespeople

The Independent Farmers of Ireland clarified that despite some conflicting reports their spokespeople are still Alison DeVere Hunt, Ger Gough, and Maggie Delahunty.

They said emails had been sent claiming to be from the Independent Farmers of Ireland but this was not the case.

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