Farmers Attempt To Storm FF Meeting

Protesting farmers have tried to storm the hotel where Fianna Fáil is holding its annual think-in.

Security at the hotel had to temporarily lock-down this morning when up to 200 farmers surged through garda security lines shortly after 10am this morning and made their way towards the entrance.

The farmers had been mounting a vehement protest outside the meeting in Athlone and were initially cordoned into a car park opposite the entrance to the Hudson Bay Hotel before their attempted invasion.

Gardaí were at full stretch preventing protestors from entering the hotel, where the lockdown was imposed as farmers scuffled with officers outside the front door.

The situation calmed down after senior Fianna Fáil officials agreed to meet an IFA delegation to discuss cuts in agriculture spending.

Despite the protests, Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators are continuing their meeting in the Co Roscommon hotel ahead of the resumption of the Dáil this week.

The agenda focuses on the economy and the second Lisbon Treaty referendum, whilst it is also expected that Taoiseach Brian Cowen's performance as leader will also be up for discussion.

It is believed that Mr Cowen's tenure so far has began to raise concerns even amongst his loyal supporters.

The meeting is an opportunity for the Taoiseach to re-invigorate his party after a summer of continuing difficulties for the party.

In his opening speech, the Taoiseach said cutting spending in Ireland was the only way to ensure that international bankers will lend the Government the money needed to run the country.

(DW/BMcC)