Eddie Downey’s COPA vice-president job up for grabs

Former IFA President Eddie Downey remains in place as a vice-president of the COPA grouping for EU farmers’ organisations, with the Brussels-based grouping saying yesterday it awaited official communication from IFA on Mr Downey’s resignation, before assessing how to proceed.

In September, Mr Downey was elected to a two-year term of office as one of six vice-presidents of the European farmers union.

As the organisation recognised by the EU to speak on behalf of the agricultural sector, COPA represents 60 farmer organisations from EU member states, and 36 partner organisations from other European countries.

COPA works closely with COGECA, the confederation of EU agricultural co-operatives.

Vice-presidents are not paid at COPA level, any remuneration for their COPA activities comes at national level.

Once COPA receives official communication from IFA on Mr Downey’s resignation, possible next steps include IFA nominating someone to replace him as a COPA vice-president.

Alternatively, the COPA praesidium may elect a new vice-president from among its members.

However, the 2006–2010 IFA President, Padraig Walshe, served as President of COPA from 2009 to 2011, continuing in the post after John Bryan was elected IFA President in 2010.