Controversial IFA proposals

HEAVIER work loads for IFA county chairpersons have been rejected in early reaction to proposals for restructuring the main farmers' organisation.

IFA leaders insisted the proposals are not a "pick and choose" document, and must be accepted or defeated in their entirety. There is already strong opposition at ground level to sections, and almost unanimous rejection of the near full time "superman" role envisaged for county chairpersons.

There is also considerable debate and divided views over proposals to change the electoral structure by giving additional weight to the votes of the intensive dairy farming regions in the south, although IFA leader John Dillon said it would better reflect attendance and voting at branch meetings.