Farmers ask Stormont for financial help with fuel costs

Farmers ask Stormont for financial help with fuel costs8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJayne McCormackPolitical correspondent, BBC News NIBBCUFU President William Irvine met political parties at Stormont on MondayThe Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has appealed to the Stormont Executive and the government for financial support amid the ongoing crisis over rising fuel prices.Fuel costs have soared globally as a result of the US-Israel war with Iran. Earlier in April the first and deputy first ministers wrote to the prime minister asking for a package of measures to support those under pressure in Northern Ireland.On Monday, UFU president William Irvine said farmers were facing a "crunch" situation with fuel, energy and fertiliser costs all facing a hike."Five European countries and the Republic [of Ireland] have all come up with plans to support agriculture in this situation and there are various options available," he said."All that's playing out here will eventually land with the consumer, they will pay the ultimate price and it's trying to avoid that as best we can," he added. The Republic of Ireland's government announced support after demonstrators blocked major roads and fuel distribution sites in protest.Irish PM announces €505m in fuel-cost measures after days of protestsNI fuel protesters 'stand in solidarity' with Irish counterpartsIrish government finalising fuel package deal Mr Irvine met political parties at Stormont earlier, ahead of travelling to Westminster to make his case to government officials.The Alliance Party, which holds the agriculture and environment brief in the Stormont Executive, has said the communities and economy ministers are responsible for financial support schemes in this area.Its deputy leader Eoin Tennyson said Westminster also had a responsibility around VAT and fuel duty, as Stormont had limited powers to intervene."I don't accept that it's a...