Carlow IFA chairman Derek Deane received his county executive's nomination at a meeting on Monday night. He was among the county chairs who tabled a motion of no-confidence in IFA general secretary Pat Smith's resignation in January, and led calls for the publication of Smith's salary last month.

Deane told the Irish Farmers Journal he was “delighted to receive the nomination from his county” and is now seeking the five other nominations he needs to contest the presidency.

Deane has been on the IFA executive council for most of the past 15 years in his capacity as livestock chairman, deputy president and county chairman. He previously ran for president in 2009.

Outgoing deputy president Tim O'Leary received backing from Cork Central IFA on Monday night, thus entering the race formally after being first to declare last month. “We nominated Tim O’Leary as a candidate for the presidency unopposed,” Cork Central chairman Jimmy Hosford told the Irish Farmers Journal. “I think its very positive to see so many names in the hat for the presidency. It shows how people still want this job and feel we need a strong organisation.”

Nigel Renaghan was proposed and seconded at a meeting of Monaghan IFA on Monday night. Renaghan now needs the backing from five other county executives to be on the ballot paper.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Renaghan said he is expecting a tough contest.

“Tough battle” ahead

“I know it’s not going to be an easy race but I’m prepared for a tough battle. People have seen that I delivered in terms of TAMS and significant price increases for the poultry sector, and that I pour my heart and soul into the job.

“I asked people if they wanted more of the same or if they wanted a change. I know I can be part of the change,” Renaghan said.

According to the IFA, Renaghan first worked on a friend’s commercial egg farm before studying poultry in Galway and Monaghan. He then became a chicken supplier to Carton Brothers from his family farm. He also breeds Aberdeen Angus cattle.

Nominations for the position of president close on Wednesday 6 January 2016.

Flor McCarthy and Henry Burns have also declared they are running. Each candidate needs six county nominations to run formally, which means only four names can be on the ballot paper.

Pat O'Toole and Lorcan Allen contributed reporting for this story.

Read more

Full coverage: IFA shake-up