IFA members began voting for the next President and Deputy President of the association last night (March 29) at branches across the country.
Voting got underway as the last IFA Election debate took place in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Following a review of the voting procedure, this election will see new voting practices, including that each member will have one vote for the election and there will be no weighted voting system or proxy voting.
Kerry IFA
In Co. Kerry, the Kilgarvan branch met where Kerry’s County Chairman Sean Brosnan was the returning officer.
Speaking to Agriland, he said that expected a high turnout “for the local man, Flor McCarthy”.
Figures from the last IFA election show that 102 people voted in this branch.
Galway IFA
Last night, the Turloughmore branch of Galway IFA met at the Parish Centre and branch Chairman Martin Murphy said he was happy with the turnout.
Of the 88 members in the Turloughmore branch, which is the neighbouring branch of Galway candidate Joe Healy, some 80 turned out to cast their vote, he said.
Laois IFA
No branches met in Henry Burns’ home county of Laois last night and the first meetings get underway there on April 5.
Carlow IFA
In Co. Carlow, Bagenalstown met last night where County Chairman George Collier was the returning officer.
He said that 30 IFA members, out of around 120, cast their votes at the Railway Bar.
Limerick IFA
Several branches in Co. Limerick cast their votes last night and County Chairman Aidan Gleeson said that approximately 50% of the Kilbehenny branch voted (16 of 30).
Branch members felt that this was one of the better meetings and there was a good interest in guys having a say.
Cork IFA
Turnout in Cork North’s Killavullen Castletownroche Shanballymore branch was over 50% according to County Chairman Billy Cotter.
He said that some 77 members turned out to vote out of around 150 members.
Meanwhile, voting also took place in Mictchelstown where 63 members, out of around 130 members, cast their votes, he said.
“We’re expecting an average turnout to vote so we’re looking at between 30-50%. So far we’re happy with the turnout.”
Donegal IFA
County Chairman Michael Chance said that there was a good turnout at the Pettigo (around 19 members) meeting and in Ballintra (around 25 members). While numbers were back on 2013, Chance said that each branch had a quorum of members present.
Waterford IFA
In Co.Waterford, County Chairman John Fitzgerald reported that there was good attendance and interest in the voting.
He told Agriland that turnout was just short of 50% but that farmers were under massive pressures on farms at the moment.
“Between lambing, calving and the late spring, farmers are in absolute panic situations… but people realise that this is an important election.”