A farmers’ union has called on Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir to resign amid ongoing controversy over the shooting of 51 cows in Co Tyrone.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union made the call following an emergency meeting which concluded members “do not have confidence” in the independence of a review into the cattle cull set up by the minister.
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said its door “remains open” for engagement with the UFU.
Mr Muir has said he intends to stay in post, saying on social media: “The operation at Fivemiletown was neither authorised nor directed by me.
“Nevertheless, as the responsible Minister, I ordered an external independent review because the public deserves clear answers.
“If mistakes were made by my officials, they must be identified and lessons learned. However, my job of work continues regardless of the views of any one organisation.
“No single interest, however powerful or well organised, will be allowed to dictate government policy.”
He added: “There is a lot more I intend to do as Minister, embracing the entire remit of the department. The state of our environment and climate demands it.
“I was elected to change things. That is exactly what I will continue to do.”
Daera’s Humane Slaughter Team carried out the cull of 51 cattle on land near Fivemiletown in June, following a court order which disqualified the herd owner from keeping animals.
Concerns have been raised by some political representatives and farmers about the public nature of the incident and questions have been posed about whether all options were exhausted before the cows were shot.
Hundreds of farmers protested outside Stormont on Monday as Mr Muir answered questions about the incident at his scrutiny committee.
At the meeting, Mr Muir revealed he had received a death threat since the incident. He has insisted there was “no reasonable alternative” but to comply with the court order by culling the animals on the site.
Mr Muir announced this week that Dr Martin Blake, former chief veterinary officer for Ireland, had been appointed to carry out an independent review into the cull.
Last year, the UFU had passed a vote of no confidence in the department over its handling of a number of issues.
Following its emergency meeting, it has now extended the motion to include Mr Muir, Daera permanent secretary Katrina Godfrey and chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, calling for their immediate resignations.
A statement said: “The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the UFU executive, having considered the information currently available.
“The UFU has concluded that it does not have the confidence in the independence of the review as presently constituted, including the scope of the terms of reference and appointment of a single person to conduct it.
“The UFU has consistently maintained that an investigation into an incident of this seriousness must be demonstrably independent, robust and capable of commanding the confidence of farm families and the wider public.”
UFU president John McLenaghan said: “This is not a decision the UFU has taken lightly.
“However, confidence has been severely damaged and the most recent event is just one of many instances where farmers feel that the department has lost touch with farmers.
“Serious concerns have been raised regarding the independence of the review, its terms of reference and lack of specialist panel appointed.
“In the view of our union, the process as it currently stands does not provide the level of independence and confidence that farmers deserve.
“Independence cannot just be simply stated, it must be evident in how a review is established, who conducts it, what they are empowered to investigate and whether they are able to follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
Mr McLenaghan said: “The UFU’s position is clear. We no longer have confidence that the department can deliver.
“The UFU will continue to press for an independent, transparent, and public review of the Fivemiletown operation.”
A Daera spokesperson said: “The minister and the department are aware of the decision taken by the Ulster Farmers’ Union.
“An external independent review is already under way to review the action taken by department officials in response to the Deprivation Order in Fivemiletown.
“There are many strategic issues and challenges for agriculture. It is vital we face up to those challenges together to restore our environment and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.
“The department’s door will remain open to engage with all including the UFU.”
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