Thompson tops poll in ICSA presidential vote
Mr Thompson topped the poll on the first count with 37 first preferences, followed by former president John Deegan, Wicklow, on 33, John Heney, Tipperary, on 27 and Sean Scully, Laois, on 10.
The new president, who was elected on the third count by 73 votes to 34 for John Deegan, runs a mixed enterprise farm with sucklers, sheep, beef and some tillage near Convoy in Donegal.
He urged members to put their very best into the organisation and make it a real force to be reckoned with in Irish farm politics.
During the election campaign, he said ICSA is a very democratic organisation representing suckler, sheep and beef farmers. All need to be strongly represented to ensure the continued prosperity and success of the organisation.
“Running a mixed enterprise farm in Donegal I am particularly aware of the challenges facing all sectors,” he said.
Mr Thompson said he was honoured to have been elected president and hoped he will live up to the responsibilities entrusted to him.
“ICSA is a great organisation and we have again demonstrated to all that we can have lively debate and then reach consensus,” he said.
He thanked all his supporters, including his wife, Mabel, and family, who had worked tirelessly on his behalf, the other three candidates for what he said was an honourable election campaign and, especially, the ICSA office staff for their tireless co-operation.
Malcolm Thompson, the new president, began his term in office immediately after being declared elected at a national executive meeting in Portlaoise.
