Candidates look to secure Cork votes on night one of IFA presidential election hustings 

Over the course of this month, there will be 16 presidential election debates that cover each of the 29 IFA county executives.

In their addresses to farmers in Macroom, the candidates raised key issues for the sector including the nitrates derogation, environmental policy, farm incomes, the reputation of the IFA, and rural development. Picture: Andy Gibson

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) presidential debates kicked off in Macroom on Monday night with the candidates telling farmers that “no false promises” would be made and they would “do things differently” if elected as they sought to secure the votes in the rebel county.

Francie Gorman from Co Laois and Martin Stapleton from Co Limerick are running to be the 17th president of the IFA.