Live exporters have been invited to gather in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, on Wednesday next to hopefully form a representative association.

Two similar invitations went out in recent months but the proposed meetings did not take place.

Exporters are more used to gouging and polling each other around the mart sales rings than working for the common good.

This invitation is a bit different in that it has been sent out by Co Sligo man Paul Clarke.

Although an exporter, he can be viewed as a neutral party. He was president of the last exporter association when it was operating about 15 years ago.

He has said he will convene next week’s meeting but then let exporters select someone to represent them.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and his officials have made it clear they would like to see one unified voice speak for exporters.

An association could have input with the Department and the EU on export rules. It could provide a much-needed defence of their industry against the claims made by protesters opposed to the live trade.