Nine former presidents of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have moved to support Fine Gael’s presidential candidate Heather Humphreys ahead of polling on Friday.

A letter endorsing Humphreys has been signed by Donie Cashman, Tom Clinton, John Donnelly, Tom Parlon, John Dillon, John Bryan, Eddie Downey, Joe Healy and Tim Cullinan.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, who is also Fine Gael’s director of elections, said the letter is "a momentous show of trust from some of rural Ireland’s most prominent farming voices”.

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“This letter of support, signed by no fewer than eight former IFA presidents, represents a hugely significant moment in this campaign.

“These signatories have given a voice to Irish farmers over several decades and their united support for Heather Humphreys is a strong message to rural Ireland, this is your candidate,” he said.

Commitment

Minister Heydon said that, in the letter, the former IFA presidents highlight Humphreys' "proven experience" and commitment to "championing the agricultural sector and rural life at home and abroad”.

“Heather Humphreys is deeply rooted in rural Ireland and has spent her career working on behalf of farming families, rural communities and local businesses through her work as a local credit union manager and as a minister in Government.

“Her values, her experience and her understanding of the real issues affecting rural Ireland make her the ideal person to represent all of us as president.

“I urge every farmer, every rural household and everyone who cares about our rural economy to back the candidate with the proven credentials and give Heather your number one vote this Friday,” he added.