Slattery claims IFA spirit diluted
Former Munster vice-president, John Slattery said there is increasing concern among farmers that the spirit behind the founding of the NFA and IFA for the betterment of farming families is being undermined by those who are equally, or more, occupied with personal achievement and benefit from their involvement.
He was speaking at a farmers’ meeting in Adare, Co Limerick, when he launched the broadside on the undesirable trend which he believed was emerging within the organisation.
“There are a lot of people who have given very generously and unselfishly of their time and energy to working for the organisation in the interests of farmers, but I am concerned that there is also an element creeping in, where the organisation may be used for personal promotion and benefit, and that is not in the best interest of the IFA, and is not what the founders had in mind“, he declared.
He said IFA has a very important role to play in representing farmers, and the challenges ahead are greater than ever and will test the strength of the Association.
He warned against losing sight of the primary objectives, and putting personal promotion before the true spirit of the IFA.
“If that were to happen, it would be a bad day for the IFA and a bad day for Irish farmers”, he said.
The North Clare dairy farmer, who is a former Golden Vale board of management member has previously been critical of personal, vested interests taking precedence in IFA over genuine representation of farming concerns and interests.
