By Cillian Sherlock, Press AssociationAllegations around a conflict of interest for the chairman of Bord Bia are “false” and “driven” by social media, Larry Murrin said amid calls for his resignation. On Thursday, he said his company was a major customer of Irish beef producers but said security of supply agreements with major international customers require provisions for food crises, disease outbreaks, and supply issues. However, Bord Bia’s chief executive, Jim O’Toole, said it was in the “best interests” of Irish farmers for Murrin to remain as chairman, and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has also expressed confidence in Murrin. Members of the Irish Farmers’ Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)At the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Murrin said his role as chairman of Bord Bia was a non-executive position and he did not manage day-to-day operations or quality assurance programmes. The dispute has seen the IFA stage a days-long protest outside Bord Bia’s headquarters in Dublin, with some demonstrators even occupying the lobby of the building for a time.

Source: The Herald February 05, 2026 16:16 UTC