Two candidates are in the running for the position of IFA south Leinster chair, with the successful candidate replacing Tom Short, who is stepping down from the role in December.

Francie Gorman from the Ballinakill branch has been nominated by Laois IFA. He was chair of Laois county executive until last February.

Wexford county executive has nominated its current chair James Kehoe from the Monagear branch.

First postal ballot

IFA national treasurer Martin Stapleton has said it’s the first time in the history of the association that an election of this scale is taking place by postal ballot.

“Given the circumstances presented by COVID-19, the national council decided to proceed [by postal vote] with all elections that fall due this year.

“Meetings in person are not possible under current public health restrictions, so we have to put alternative arrangements in place.”

Online debates

The traditional county executive debates in six of the counties - Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly and Wicklow - will take place online over a two-week period beginning 23 November.

Postal voting by county officers and branch delegates in the eight county executives of south Leinster will take place in early December.