The Macra na Feirme presidential election is drawing near. Polls will close at 1pm on Tuesday 7 April with all postal ballets having to be returned to Macra na Feirme national office before then.

Over the past few weeks the race for Macra na Feirme president has seen hustings held across the country. The four candidates set out their stalls to the electorate as to what they can deliver for the organisation if elected president. We asked the candidates for their key objectives if elected as president.

Eamon Cassells, Co Meath

“I would endeavour to keep the organisation on a sound financial footing. Increase membership by at least 40%, and with that increase activity by members, especially in our competitions.

“I think we need to communicate with the general public a lot more about agriculture. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about farming and I think the best people to set the record straight about farming are actual farmers. I think as the young farmers’ organisation we are best placed to be ambassadors for agriculture.”

Paddy Delaney, Co Laois

“Initiate a countrywide, region-by-region development plan to put in place targets and objectives for the organisation to reach. These will vary from county to county and club to club but will hopefully give us a chance to stand back and look at the organisation as a whole and where we want it to be in the future.

“Begin discussions with relevant parties about CAP post-2020 or a possible mid-term review. I don’t think we could be too early to start thinking about where European ag policy will be in five or 10 years’ time. We should be directing where the future brings us and not re-acting to it when it comes.”

Michelle O’Callaghan, Co Cork

“I want to ensure as an organisation Macra na Feirme develops our members, that we support and advocate for rural youth and we support all young farmers across all sectors. It is important young famers are central to policymaking at both an Irish and European level, and the simplification of the CAP for all young farmers is essential as well as access to credit and financial support to all young farmers.

“I want to ensure every Macra member gets the full Macra experience through participation with their club and county by using our six key areas to help them develop and grow. I want to add new dimensions to the organisation to ensure that it continues to grow and develop and meets the needs of rural youth and young farmers.”

Sean Finan, Co Roscommon

“We should be proud of our achievements in agricultural policy formation on a national and European level. Our organisation has delivered for young farmers and as president of Macra I will continue this work.

“I will work with the members to ensure that Macra remains the representative body and voice of young farmers and rural youth in Ireland by dealing with the issues which affect the members and lobbying and advocating on their behalf.

“I want to enable the personal development of members through social interaction and participation in our six key areas of activity: agriculture, performing arts, sport, public speaking, travel and community involvement.”