Deane still likely to face rivals in election race
However, the possibility of the next Number Two in the IFA hierarchy being elected without a contest is thought to be remote, as there are potential candidates in the south and west, who have yet to make the decision to allow their names to go forward.
Outgoing Munster vice-president, Donal Kelly, West Cork, has long been expected to contest the deputy leadership after a successful four years in his current position. He has said he will make a decision over the coming weeks. "I have been encouraged by the offers of support for the campaign which I have received and I believe that I still have a lot of work to do for farmers through the IFA," said Mr Kelly.
He was perceived as a very hard worker during his four years as Munster vice-president.
In the west, there is pressure on Padraig Divilly of Co Galway to allow his name on the IFA ballot paper. "I am ruling nothing in and nothing out" he said. But he has confirmed his intention to make a decision before the end of August.
"I have to think of the challenge I am taking on, but the extent of support which I have been promised is very encouraging" said Divilly. "I have not said No to accepting the nomination."
The likelihood of the chairman of the National Sheep Committee, Larry Fallon, Co Roscommon, a former National President of Macra na Feirme, being a candidate for deputy president seems to have diminished. Nominations will close at the end of October and balloting will take place in early December.
Meanwhile, one of the most intensive electoral campaigns is a certainty for IFA presidential candidates Ruardhi Deasy (the sitting Deputy President), Raymond O'Malley and Padraig Walshe.
* IFA deputy presidency candidate Derek Deane will host thousands of cattle farmers today at a Teagasc Open Day on his farm at Rathvilly, Co Carlow. The Bord Bia Quality Beef Producer of 2004 welcomes visitors from 1pm to 6pm to see his 80 cow suckler to beef farm.
