IFA President Pays Tribute to Alan Gillis

IFA President Tim Cullinan has paid tribute to Alan Gillis, who died earlier today, describing him as a passionate and progressive voice for Irish farming.

You can read the full address here.

Mr Gillis served as President of IFA from 1990 to 1994.

The IFA President said Alan Gillis’ approach was underpinned by decency and a commitment to represent fellow farmers at the highest level.

Tim Cullinan said Alan Gillis had been a determined leader for farmers during a period of significant change in the sector.

“The impact of trade deals under GATT, the forerunner to WTO, posed a serious threat to Irish agriculture and Alan Gillis led a strong campaign to safeguard farm incomes,” he said.

Alan Gillis represented farmers at a number of levels, including as Chairman of Leinster Milk Producers, which later became FMP.  He went on to serve as an MEP for the Leinster constituency.

Tim Cullinan extended his sympathies to the Gillis family on behalf of IFA.