The Government does certainly need to take action to provide measures which would reduce the cost of fuel to them. Discussions on a fuel cap and other wider measures which would substantially reduce costs all need to be on the table. Various farmers' representative groups supported the picketing and blockades of meat factories back in 2019 during the beef protests. During the protests against the Mercusor trade deal, the Department of Agriculture was occupied by farmers, supported by farmers' representative groups. While its members and all of society need fuel supports, this type of social and political action should not be legitimised.

Source: Irish Examiner April 10, 2026 00:18 UTC