Macra has recalled the ballot papers for its upcoming presidential election due to a "technicality on the paper".

A spokesperson for Macra told Agriland today (Tuesday, March 18), that the decision has nothing to do with the candidates, there was simply an issue on the ballot paper.

The issue is only with the presidential ballot papers, and not with the vice-presidential ballot papers.

The spokesperson said the papers will be reissued "very quickly," and that they need to be "reprinted and sent back to clubs".

Last week, Monday, March 10, Macra kicked off the first of six election hustings at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick.

A large crowd turned out to hear from the candidates hoping to become the farm organisation’s new president and Munster vice-president.

There are two candidates in the presidential race: Josephine O’Neill from Co. Kilkenny and Conor Murphy from Co. Cork.

Conor Murphy, who was drawn first to address the crowd, works in the family agricultural contracting business, holds a degree in history and politics, a masters in government and has completed the Green Cert.

Josephine O’Neill, the daughter of a beef and tillage farmer from Co. Kilkenny, is the current chair of the board of Macra.

The home economics and Irish teacher, who has applied for a career break if successful in her election bid, has been a member of the organisation for almost 12 years and believes that now is the time to “give back” to the organisation.

The four men in the running to become the next Macra Munster vice-president also addressed the hustings.

Liam Coppinger, Midleton Macra, Co. Cork; Tom Long, Rathkeevin Macra, Co. Tipperary; John Lonergan, Glanmire Macra, Co. Cork and William Clancy, Borrisoleigh Macra, Co. Tipperary were all given an opportunity to outline their priorities before taking questions.

The second hustings will take place at the Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dublin Road, Co. Cavan, tonight, March 18, at 7:30p.m.