IFA presidential hopefuls set for debate
They will be outlining their vision for the future of their industry in a public debate.
The Irish Examiner has organised the debate between IFA deputy president Ruaidhri Deasy, vice-president Raymond O’Malley and national treasurer Padraig Walshe.
RTÉ broadcaster Damien O’Reilly will preside at the one-hour debate, which will take place in the Irish Examiner marquee (stand 311, row 2E) from 10.30am on Tuesday.
Interest is building up in the 85,000-member IFA as the campaign to succeed the current president John Dillon gathers momentum. Each of the three candidates will outline their views and audience members can ask questions on aspects of their policy and the leadership they intend to provide the IFA, celebrating its golden jubilee.
Nominations for the election will close on October 28 and branch voting will take place from December 1 to December 16.
The national count will be held on December 20.
The Irish Examiner, as part of its participation at the ploughing championships, will host sessions with Eddie Hobbs, who will give personal finance advice on Wednesday at 11am and 2pm.
Each of the sessions will last for an hour and 15 minutes. On Thursday, celebrity chef and Irish Examiner columnist Darina Allen will give a cookery demonstration from 11am to 12.30pm and again from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Invitations to the events on each of the three days are limited and will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis.
Up to 150,000 people are expected to attend the championships, which will cost the National Ploughing Association e1.8 million to stage.
The event will have nearly 800 trade stands, while more than 300 competitors will take part in 17 national ploughing competitions.
