DEAR SIR

While the structures in the IFA are satisfactory and need minimal change, the problem is that at the top of the organisation where a small number of those involved in management consider themselves to be the IFA.

Many years ago when I was a member of the Animal Health Committee, we had so much interference that we passed a resolution that a certain individual should not be involved in decisions of our committee. This was rejected when it reached Council. During my time as a chair of the same committee, a “proposal” came to us that was not in the interests of ordinary farmers. After an intense internal struggle, I was informed it was going to be introduced. I resigned as I was not going to be part of a team that would create problems for a number of farmers.

Things have not changed in recent years. Con Lucey is to be congratulated on the stand he took against interference in his work. Changes are essential at senior level within the IFA.

There has been a very close relationship between the Minister of Agriculture and the IFA. This has not been in the best interests of farmers. Our present Minister seems to be promoting the beef industry but he is totally neglecting the livestock farmers, especially those in the west of Ireland. Farmers in the west will certainly make him aware of this when the general election takes place. Unfortunately the IFA is doing the same thing. I recently spoke to Eddie Downey and Henry Burns regarding two important livestock issues. I concluded that livestock farmers are no longer important to the IFA.

It would be a major setback to the IFA if any of the present officers are elected as a president.

Firstly, the IFA wants to get back to what it was years ago – a good organisation representing the needs of farmers.

Some of the changes that I would like to see are:

  • That any candidate for the presidency would sign a document that heshe would not attempt to enter politics for three years after hisher term is ended.
  • Total transparency at senior positions within the IFA regarding salaries and expenses (even our public representatives do that).
  • That a small committee is appointed to discuss general management in the IFA with the president as chairman. This committee would refer decisions back to Council for approval.

    • Finally, with Con Lucey’s proposals, let us look forward to a better IFA with a new team whose only interest is to represent all farmers to the best of their ability.