IFA ‘membership’ on hold
For 75 per year, they could avail of savings in the IFA-Telecom phone service, cheaper insurance cover for cars, personal injury and public liability, and other fringe benefits.
The IFA countryside associate membership offer was expected to be given the green light at next Tuesday’s meeting of the IFA national council.
Farmers in Co Limerick have now withheld approval, pending clarification from the IFA council on the initiative.
Pat Smith, IFA, said the proposed associate membership will create better understanding between farmers and non-farming rural dwellers. Associate members would not have voting rights in the IFA; that would be clarified.
At a meeting of the Limerick executive of the IFA, Richard Kennedy - former national and Macra na Feirme president and former Limerick IFA chairman - said any diversion which could dilute the IFA’s commitment to farmers should not be considered lightly.
Mr Kennedy said he was concerned that the IFA would become a toothless organisation serving diverse interests, if it broadened the scope of its membership.
David Thompson, national council member, said the IFA constitution would have to be amended for the new associate membership.
The amendments should be put to IFA members before a decision was made, he said.
Eddie Scanlan, IFA national livestock committee, said farmers becoming a minority in the organisation would be unacceptable to the association’s founders.
Sean Lavery said he welcomed associate membership, because increasing numbers of people were residing in rural areas and a good relationship with them was important.
After discussion, it was decided that the IFA national council should be asked to defer final decision on associate membership at next week’s meeting, and clarifications be provided for the next meeting of the Limerick executive.
