John Coughlan’s ability as a tough negotiator was referred to by all who spoke at his official campaign launch for the IFA presidency at his farm at Ballyellis, Buttevant, Co Cork, on Saturday night.

Sharing the stage with two former IFA presidents, John Bryan and Donie Cashman, the only Cork man to have held the position, Coughlan was also endorsed by North Cork county chair Ann Baker and Cork Marts CEO Sean O’Sullivan.

The Munster IFA chair told the 400-strong crowd that as IFA president he would split the Competition Authority into two distinct bodies and work towards achieving financial respect and the farmers’ right to get a margin for their work.

He also pledged to proactively seek transparency in all sectors of the industry and challenge Europe’s cheap food policy.

IFA presidential candidate, John Coughlan at his campaign launch on his farm near Buttevant, Co Cork.