The Dealer couldn’t help but feel somewhat sorry for the Bord Bia officials who addressed farmers at its Farmer Forum Roadshows this week.

I gather Minister Heydon tasked Bord Bia with finding a way of engaging with farmers following their unhappiness with the organisation’s chair Larry Murrin.

At this week’s meetings, Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia chief executive officer, was at pains to stress that Murrin is a political appointment, kept in his role only at the discretion of the Minister.

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Like lambs sent to slaughter, O’Toole and his team are taking a bashing over Murrin, while Minister Heydon remains silent.