Farmers are being encouraged to attend the Irish Farmers Association’s Election debates between candidates for the positions of President and Deputy President that will take place over the next five weeks before members vote in December.

IFA National Returning Officer Michael Keane is encouraging farmers to attend the Association’s Election debates. He 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 added, “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 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. The IFA Returning Officer said each of the 29 County Executives would be represented in the debates.

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.

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

 

Michael Keane also reminded farmers that the IFA electoral register closes to new members on Thursday, October 31st. He stressed “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.