IFA not backing any presidential candidate
IFA president Francie Gorman reminds its members the IFA is 'a strictly non-political organisation'.
Irish Farmers’ Association president Francie Gorman said the association does not support any candidate for any election.
This announcement follows the publication of a letter of support for Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys.
Explaining, Mr Gorman said former IFA presidents are private citizens and can choose to run or endorse any candidate they see fit.
However, he stressed they do not speak for the IFA and the IFA remains neutral as an organisation in any election.
“IFA is a strictly non-political organisation as set out in our constitution,” Mr Gorman said.
The letter, which was signed by eight past IFA presidents: Donal Cashman, Tom Clinton, John Donnelly, Tom Parlon, John Dillon, John Bryan, Eddie Downey, Joe Healy, and Tim Cullinan, was used by minister for agriculture Martin Heydon to endorse his colleague in the ongoing race to the Áras.
The minister highlighted the men’s previous presidential role within the IFA as a key focal point of the endorsement of Heather Humphreys, saying the united voices sent a “strong message”.
Francie Gorman called on all farm families to use their vote in the presidential election on Friday.
“They should cast their vote on polling day and vote for the candidate of their choosing,” he said.
