IFA regional election debates to begin tonight

Mon, 29 Nov, 2021 - 17:34

The first debate for the Irish Farmers' Association Ulster/North Leinster regional chair election is set to begin this evening in Cavan.

Members of the Cavan IFA County Executive will hear from the two candidates – Frank Brady from the Aughnamullen branch in Monaghan, and John Curran from the Kells branch in Meath – about their plans for the role.

The role is currently held by Nigel Renaghan, a suckler, poultry and beef farmer based in Clontibret in Co Monaghan, who was elected to the role in 2017.

Martin Stapleton, IFA national returning officer, said the debates will give county officers and branch delegates from each of the region's seven county executives the opportunity to hear from the two candidates.

The two candidates include Frank Brady, a pig farmer based in Co Monaghan and John Curran, a drystock organic farmer based in Co Meath.

Mr Brady has previously served as chairman of Monaghan IFA and he has also served on the IFA Pigs Committee, while Mr Curran is the current chairman of Meath IFA and has also served on the IFA Livestock Committee.

Postal voting by county officers and branch delegates in the seven County Executives will take place in December. The system is modelled on the postal vote used for Seanad Éireann elections.

The count is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 17, in line with public health guidelines that will be in place at that time.

Debates are scheduled to take place as follows:

Cavan	Hotel Kilmore, Cavan	Mon, Nov, 29th
Longford	Longford Rugby Club, Longford	Tues, Nov 30th
Donegal	Online	Wed, Dec 1st
Louth	Monasterboice Inn, Drogheda	Thurs, Dec 2nd
Westmeath	Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar	Mon, Dec 6th
Meath	Headfort Arms, Kells	Tues, Dec 7th
Monaghan	The Four Seasons, Monaghan	Wed, Dec 8th
	Online debate	Thurs, Dec 9th