The IFA Executive Council has agreed a number of rule changes ahead of the national elections that will take place in April.

The Executive Council has decided to move to One Member One Vote (OMOV), instead of a weighted branch vote, for the election of the next President and Deputy President of the IFA.

Following a discussion about the system to elect the Regional Chairman, the Council has decided to retain the existing system, which is election by the County Executives within each region.

Members of the Executive Council also agreed to formally adopt the rule change to allow for 2 two-year terms for all national officer positions. This had been agreed in principle at the January meeting. Tuesday’s meeting also decided to prohibit the use of proxy voting at the Presidential and Deputy Presidential elections in April.

IFA National Returning Officer Jer Bergin 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 eight weeks before members vote in April.

Jer Bergin said the debates in IFA’s County Executives are an opportunity for all IFA members to hear presentations from the candidates and to participate in an open forum discussion on farming issues.

“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,” he said.

Debates

The IFA Returning Officer said each of the 29 County Executives would be represented in the debates. North Tipperary IFA has the honour of hosting the first debate of this election next Monday, 8th February.

The schedule for the next fortnight is:

  • North Tipperary Racket Hall, Roscrea Mon 8th Feb
  • West Cork Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway Tues 9th Feb
  • Cork Central Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig, Cork Wed 10th Feb
  • Waterford Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan Thurs 11th Feb
  • North Cork GAA Complex, Mallow Mon 15th Feb
  • Kerry Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee Tues 16th Feb
  • Limerick Woodlands Hotel, Adare Wed 17th Feb
  • Clare Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis Thurs 18th Feb