The IFA is continuing to protest at Bord Bia headquarters for a second day and intent to protest for the full week, according to its president Francie Gorman.

Day two saw the arrival of tractors on Pembroke Road as the IFA continue to call for the removal of Larry Murrin as chair of Bord Bia following controversy involving his company Dawn Farm Foods and imported Brazilian beef.

Speaking early on Tuesday morning in Dublin, Munster regional chair Conor O'Leary said that "hypocrisy" and "double standards" have manifested themselves fully at a time when Ireland is calling to ban the Mercosur trade deal. O'Leary reiterated calls for Murrin to remove himself or stand down as chair of Bord Bia.

The IFA has organised a rota of county members to keep the protest going until later this week.

Fianna Fáil TDs

This comes as Fianna Fáil TDs Ryan O'Meara and Peter 'Chap' Cleare call for the Bord Bia chair to be removed.

Cleare, Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on agriculture, has called for Bord Bia to appear infront of the Oireachtas agricuture committee to discuss the frustrations farmers are feeling.

I have called for an emergency meeting of the Oireachtas agricultural committee to discuss this issue. This has to happen urgently. Farmer confidence in Bord Bia is at an all time low.

I believe the chair of Bord Bia Larry Murrin’s position is untenable, that he has lost the trust and confidence of the Irish farming community, and as a result he must go," deputy Cleare said.

Meanwhile, deputy O'Meara who represents north Tipperary and northwest Kilkenny has said that he does not have confidence in Larry Murrin to remain as chair.

“It is clear to me that the confidence of Irish farmers has been lost in the chair of Bord Bia. I stand with those who understand how our farmers think and feel on this pressing issue. They know where farmer sentiment is at the moment and it will not be restored under the current leadership, in my view.

"The conflict of interest that has arisen in relation to the importation of Brazilian beef has destroyed farmer confidence in the leadership of Bord Bia and that can only be restored by a new chairperson over the board," Deputy O'Meara said.