Nigel Renaghan, the IFA Poultry Chairman, has announced that he is to run for IFA President.

Renaghan was nominated to run for IFA President by his county, Monaghan, at a meeting in the Glencarn Hotel in Castleblaney last night (Monday).

“I was proposed by Katheleen Ward, the Monaghan representative on the Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and seconded by Nigel Donaldson.

“I now need the signatures of five country chairman. I may be entering a little late and others would have a slight head start.

“I accepted the nomination, we have a choice here, more of the same or make a change. I stand for change,” Renaghan told Agriland.

The IFA Poultry Chairman has said that if the IFA wants change you won’t make change from standing outside the window and that he wants change for the association.

Renaghan must now secure the backing of five other counties before January 5, to qualify under the terms and conditions of IFA President.

Derek Deane, the Carlow IFA Chair, has confirmed that he’s got the backing of Carlow IFA and is now seeking nominations to run for IFA President.

Also in the running for IFA President is Deputy President Tim O’Leary and IFA Livestock Chairman Henry Burns.

Last week (December 18), Michael Silke of Galway IFA pulled out of the Presidential race after declaring earlier that week that he would run.

Over 150 IFA members attended the meeting in Galway on Thursday, December 17 where Galway County Chairman Pat Murphy said that Galway farmers are simply not happy that the Con Lucey report has gone back far enough.

Also at last week’s meeting well known Agricultural Journalist, Joe Healy was nominated and seconded as a Galway candidate for IFA President.

It is understood Healy is now considering whether to accept the nomination or not.