Co Laois farmer Francie Gorman elected next IFA president

He will be the 17th president of the association when he takes up office in January, replacing Tim Cullinan.

Laois farmer Francie Gorman, watched by his son Tom and wife Kay, takes to the podium after it was announced he was elected 17th President of the IFA, at their National Election Count in Castleknock tonight. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

Co Laois suckler beef and sheep farmer Francie Gorman has been elected as the new Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president.

Mr Gorman won with 16,699 votes, beating Co Limerick dairy farmer Martin Stapleton who got 13,210 votes, to secure the top IFA job.