The battle for the leadership of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) comes to Clare this week with all four candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency speaking at an event in Dromoland.
The race to become the next leader of the IFA is a direct shoot-out between Francie Gorman from Laois and Martin Stapleton from Limerick.
This could be an historic election for the organisation, with Alice Doyle from Wexford
hoping to make history and become the first ever female Deputy President of the IFA, when she takes on Pat Murphy from Galway.
Clare IFA chairperson, Tom Lane, is encouraging farm families to attend the IFA President and Deputy President Election Debate next Wednesday, October 4, in The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-
Fergus at 8pm.
“Farmers, like everyone, are very conscious there is an issue with climate change, and are playing their part to reduce emissions, protect water quality and safeguard biodiversity. As set out in Food Vision 2030, there must be a balance between environmental, economic, and social sustainability,” said Clare IFA President, Tom Lane
“It is important that there is good support on the night for the candidates and discuss the challenges and concerns in farming and the Agri-Food industry.
Tom Lane was one of the IFA County chair persons to nominated Pat Murphy for the role of Deputy
President.
“All our Branch Officers, County Officers and National Officers are elected by farmers. The President and Deputy President of IFA are elected directly by members. They are truly representative of farmers and they carry a genuine mandate once elected,” said Brian Rushe.
Debates for the regional chairs will also take place in October, with voting on the night of each debate. IFA members will receive their votes in the post in the coming weeks and they can either return the vote by post or cast their vote at their branch AGM.
The election count will take place on December 12.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.