IFA Election voting is continuing around the country this week as members decide on what candidate they want to front the association.
In two weeks time, April 19, voting will be completed and the count will take place.
While turnout in some counties is better than others, many County Chairmen have said that the timing of the election is having an effect on members getting out to vote.
Cork West IFA
Corney Buckley, Cork West’s new County Chair, told Agriland that voting is going well with 50% turnout in some branches and 35% in others.
“It’s a busy time of year and the weather isn’t great. It’s the wrong time of year to have it and it’s difficult for people to get out, farmers are exhausted.”
Kilkenny IFA
Some 11 branches have voted in Kilkenny so far and County Chairman John Bambrick said that it’s in the region of 35-40% in the county.
Callan and Danesfort had around 40% and 50% turnout, respectively, he said. “That’s roughly where we’re at,” he said.
Galway IFA
Turnout in the Galway branches remains high, according to Pat Murphy, County Chairman.
At the Corrandulla-Annaghdown branch meeting on April 1, 64 out of 69 members cast their vote.
Meanwhile, some smaller turnouts have been reported in Co. Westmeath and in Co. Louth.
Roscommon IFA
Chairman John Hanley said voter turnout so far in Roscommon was ranging from 25% to as high as 60% in some branches. Moore and Elfin, he said, had seen particularly high levels of voter turnout, but other branches saw only about a quarter of members turn up on the night.
Limerick IFA
In Limerick voting has been reported as higher than average, according to Aidan Gleeson. The Co. Chairman said that he expected 50-60% of members to turn up over the coming days to vote.