New brooms in 2005
Young farmers will be first to the ballot box in 2005, when they vote for a new leader in March and April next.
With Co Wicklow farmer Thomas Honner completing his term of office as President at the beginning of May, 2005, jockeying for the leadership is already under way, and will intensify at the Macra Rally in Carlow over the November 26 to 28 weekend.
In little over 12 months the “changing of the guard” will have taken place across all three main farming organisations.
Next to come under the election spotlight will be ICMSA, with the organisation’s National Council of about 80 members due to vote for a new leader in October and November, 2005.
Outgoing Co Longford farmer Pat O’Rourke will complete his maximum third two year term of office, and the newly elected president will take up office with immediate effect following the National Council vote.
The 85,000 farmer members of the IFA will be invited to cast their votes for a new President in November 2005, with the President elect taking up office in January 2006, when Co Limerick farmer John Dillon completes his maximum two terms.
