Tesco has been stoical to the last in the face of opposition to its expansion plans in the UK.
But it seems that over the Irish Sea, things have become a little too much for the retailer.
Tesco has vented its frustrations about "serial objectors'" attempts to halt its expansion across rural Ireland. It has singled out Supervalu and the independent retailers body RGDATA, accusing them of "selective misuse" of the planning system for "anti-competitive" reasons.
Supervalu and RGDATA's objections have halted new openings in towns in Kerry, Cork, Tipperary and Galway.
The Tesco broadside came as planning board Bord Pleanala, considers their objections to a further store in Listowel, Kerry.
In its response, Tesco describes the objections as "frivolous" and highlights RGDATA's "almost serial appealing of development linked to Tesco Ireland".
Similar battles are being fought elsewhere, including Castleisland, where Tesco has also lodged an appeal.
A decision on the Listowel store is due in June, while the Castleisland outlet, if approved, won't be ready until at least 2009.
However, RGDATA and SuperValu, the Musgrave-owned chain, remain unapologetic. They claim Tesco's developments regularly breach planning guidelines. A Musgrave SuperValu spokeswoman said: "This is about planning, not competition."
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