Gilmartin elected ICSA president

Sligo farmer Gabriel Gilmartin has been elected president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) at last night’s vote in Portlaoise.

He won by a margin of just six votes, defeating Martin Coughlan of Waterford in a hotly contested election.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Gilmartin said he was honoured to have been elected president.

He promised he would fight for a fair deal for farmers in the context of the difficult budgetary situation.

“I will not accept the level of cuts imposed already on the farming community. The REPS scheme is too important to let go,” he said.

“We need to actively mind the environment while keeping REPS related jobs in rural Ireland.

“Farming has suffered more than any other sector from Government cutbacks while other sectors believe that no cuts are acceptable for them.

“I will also be prioritising the best deal possible for Irish farmers in the coming CAP negotiations for the post 2013 period.”

Mr Gilmartin also emphasised the importance of young farmers being supported.

“Installation aid and a prioritization of new supports for young farmers will be a key part of my agenda,” he said.

Mr Gilmartin is a sheep and suckler farmer from Ballintrillick, Co Sligo and will take up his office at the ICSA AGM and annual conference in Limerick on December 3.