Mitchell No 1 in survey of farmers

FINE GAEL’S presidential candidate Gay Mitchell has received a boost from farmers going into the National Ploughing Championships.

A telephone survey of 308 Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) members saw him receive a 25% share of support, ahead of Independent Sean Gallagher on 19%.

The Labour Party candidate, Michael D Higgins, received 15%, with Independent contender and Mary Davis securing 10%.

But 31% of the farmers surveyed for the ICMSA by market research company Behaviour and Attitudes had not yet decided who they might vote for in next month’s election.

A large majority of those queried (55%) indicated they will definitely vote, while a further 25% of those surveyed indicated they will probably also cast their ballots.

The survey of voting intentions was conducted between September 9 and 12, shortly before Martin McGuinness was nominated to contest the election for Sinn Féin.

It was also carried out before Independent David Norris signalled his intention to re-enter the race.