Farmers Encouraged to Attend IFA Election Debates

IFA National Returning Officer Michael Keane has encouraged farmers to attend the Association’s Election debates between candidates for the positions of President and Deputy President, which will take place over the next five weeks before members vote in December.

The first debate for candidates takes place in the South Court Hotel, Raheen, Limerick on Monday night next and is intended for farmers from counties Limerick and Clare.

Michael Keane said the 13 debates around the country are an opportunity for IFA’s 88,000 members to hear presentations from the candidates and to participate in an open forum discussion on farming issues. He said, “The IFA election is unique as it allows every member the chance to hear what candidates are offering, and then they have a vote in the national contest”.

The IFA Returning Officer said each of the 29 County Executives would be represented in the debates. Kerry IFA will hold its meeting on Wed, Oct 23rd in the Manor West Hotel, Tralee and the three County Executives in Cork – North Cork, West Cork and Cork Central – will hear from the candidates on Fri, Oct 25th in the Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig. The full schedule of debates is attached.

In the top race, South Leinster Vice President Jer Bergin and Deputy President Eddie Downey are vying to become the 14th President of the Irish Farmers’ Association.

The Association’s National Treasurer JJ Kavanagh and Cork Central Farm Business rep Tim O’Leary are running for the position of IFA Deputy President.

Michael Keane also reminded farmers that the IFA electoral register closes to new members on Thursday, October 31st. “To secure your vote, you should contact your local IFA office before the end of October.”

Voting in IFA’s 949 branches across the country will begin on Monday, December 2nd and conclude on Friday, December 13th. The National Count will take place in Dublin on Tuesday, December 17th.

Schedule of IFA Election Debates 2013
for Presidential and Deputy Presidential Candidates