The starting gun is about to be fired for the next Macra na Feirme election, I see. While much of the gossip at recent Macra events has been about who is lining up for president, it is the vice-presidents that are the first out of the blocks.

At least two candidates are running for the position of Leinster vice-president. Veronica Wheatley from the East Laois club announced her candidacy this week. Termonfeckin member Eamon Briscoe has confirmed that he will also be contesting the race. Both are well known for their debating skills.

However, The Dealer hears there may be another candidate from Laois considering the vice-presidential role.

In the northwest, Castlebar member Shane Quigley will throw his name in for vice-president of that region; he is the only confirmed candidate so far.

In Munster, Donoughmore man Sean Wallace has made no secret of his intentions to run for vice-president there.

The election for national officers usually takes place in April, a month ahead of the Macra AGM in May.

The Macra leadership awards are on the 27 November and I’ll be keeping an interested eye out for emerging candidates in all the races after that.