I was at a Macra na Feirme meeting last Thursday to see three of the association’s presidential candidates “get their speak in”.

During an informative questions-and-answers session with Bernie Brennan from the Department of Agriculture, Eamon Cassells, Michelle O’Callaghan and Seán Finan all took the opportunity to be presidential. They spoke about the need to get as many “old young” farmers into the National Reserve as possible.

Fourth candidate Paddy Delaney was in attendance, but didn’t take to the floor.

Ballot papers in the election must be returned before 7 April, with the count taking place in May.