The Fianna Fail-Fine Gael proposal to introduce a land price cap is 'totally against' the property rights of farmers.

That’s the view of IFA President Tim Cullinan, after it emerged that the two parties would look to hold a referendum on the matter after forming a government.

The IFA president says the association is opposed to changes in constitutional property rights, whether they are brought in by legislation or a referendum.

Mr Cullinan added that the IFA would not allow the housing problem to be used to diminish the property rights of farmers, as there are almost 2,000 hectares of land under State ownership which could address that issue.

He also criticised the Framework document for government between the parties, saying it lacks commitments on defending the Common Agricultural Policy, or trying to improve farm viability.

Mr Cullinan told Midwest News that any attempt to pay less than the open market value for land and associated compensation, will be strongly opposed by the farm organisation.