IFA fallout: Candidates prepare to throw hats in the ring to be the next IFA president

An election to pick the next president of the IFA is already under way even though the only person to state his candidacy as of yesterday afternoon is the subject of a motion seeking his removal.

Bert Stewart

The complex nature of the election process is underlined by the situation facing Tim O’Leary, the Cork-based deputy president and the man now wearing the jersey following the resignation of Eddie Downey in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday night.

Tim O’Leary

A motion from the Cork West branch is seeking Mr O’Leary’s removal, and that of the entire executive board.

As of the conclusion of Wednesday’s meeting, which ran into the early hours of yesterday, that motion, and similar motions from branches in Galway and Mayo, had been parked. Now it is in the gift of those local branches to seek that those motions be heard again at the next meeting — or they could decide to drop them.

Con Lucey

It all adds to an air of uncertainty and, in the current climate, guessing just who might join O’Leary in the race to be the next IFA president is exactly that — guesswork.

O’Leary, aged 54, was appointed as deputy president at the start of last year. He has taken to the airwaves this week to fill the vacuum left by Downey, who initially stepped back from the presidential role on Monday.

Eddie Downey

A dairy farmer based in Carrigrohane and a father-of-four, he was suitably forthright on RTÉ’s News At One, declaring the election process had started and he was a candidate.

The current IFA treasurer Jer Bergin went up against Mr Downey at the last election and may fancy another run. However, his role in the recent imbroglio could count against him in the eyes of some members.

Jer Bergin

Then there is the possibility of other contenders entering the race, with some names being suggested yesterday including the current four regional chairmen: James McCarthy in Munster, James Murphy in South Leinster, Tom Turley in Connacht, and Bert Stewart, in Ulster/North Leinster.

Tom Turley

None of those people responded to calls from the Irish Examiner yesterday which is perhaps not surprising giving the marathon meeting only ended at 4.30am.

However, soundings from within the IFA membership seemed to suggest Turley, who farms near Eyrecourt in Co Galway, would be a likely runner,while others suggested McCarthy, from Currow in Kerry, might have a tilt at the top job.

Bert Stewart

Outside those names, another contender could be Derek Deane, the Carlow IFA chairman who lit the touchpaper on the payments controversy at the start of the month. Anyone interested in running has the next three weeks to declare an interest.

They will certainly have food for thought as Christmas approaches over how best to present themselves as the new broom many IFA members clearly believe the organisation needs.