Cork woman a safe bet to become first female farming president
Her election would make Ms Buckley Ireland’s first female leader of a farmers’ organisation. She is the only nominee for the top job in Macra, the young rural peoples’ organisation which is one of five organisations representing farmers in social partnership national negotiations with the Government.
Tuesday, March 6 is the closing date for presidential election nominations.
Another candidate, Donal Glennon from Athboy, Co Meath — Macra’s Leinster vice-president - has withdrawn from the election race.
Considered by many to be the favourite even before Macra’s presidential election became a one-horse race, Ms Buckley will enjoy strong backing from Cork, one of the busiest counties in the country for Macra participation, but without representation at presidential level for many years.
Currently, Macra’s national chairperson for 2005 and 2006, Ms Buckley is a keen member of the Macroom club, and has also served the organisation at regional and national level.
Dedication to the organisation has led to prestigious positions such as national treasurer for two years, and chairing the National Programmes Committee.
Next Tuesday, Macra’s returning officer will formally declare the election candidates. Ballot papers will be in circulation until Tuesday, April 10, with the count of votes for various national and provincial elections taking place that afternoon in the Irish Farm Centre, in Dublin.
Donal Glennon was among those to welcome Ms Buckley’s nomination, describing her as a very capable candidate who could herald a new era for Macra, as the first woman in charge.
However, Mr Glennon also said he would like to see another candidate emerge to run against the Cork woman, if only to raise the profile of the Macra elections.
Many others in Macra also hope that another candidate will create a competition for the presidency, fearing that it would reflect badly on the organisation if at least two candidates don’t take part.
