Irish Farmers Association (IFA) president John Bryan has so far declined to confirm if he is considering running in next June’s European elections.

Speaking on radio station Newstalk, Byran stressed he has not entered into negotiations with any political party to contest the European elections next May.

“I certainly haven’t entered into negotiations with anyone. Everything crosses people’s minds but as far as entering into negotiations that way, I have not done it,” he told presenter Ivan Yates this morning. Byran added that he was busy “trying to put CAP to bed” and that is what he is concentrating on from now until the New Year.

The comments follow weeks of speculation that the head of the farmers representative body could be headhunted by Fine Gael to run in the Ireland South constituency.

Byran was speaking on the IFA reaction to the Lissadell right-of-way judgement. He said farmers have become increasingly concerned at attempts by some people to impose rights-of-way where they do not exist.

Image IFA president John Bryan