DEAR SIR: My IFA membership is up for renewal but due to recent developments, I – up to now – had “concerns” about paying my membership. What concerns, you may ask? Firstly, the large sum(s) of money paid to the former general secretary; then the way the IFA handled the removal/sacking or whatever way you want to describe it. Vast amounts of comments have been witnessed in both the farming and mainstream media, but my way of looking at it was the “11 apostles” who “ran” the IFA were responsible.

Words from the treasurer: “We always dealt with ‘this’ within ourselves”, and that’s exactly what the problem is. After reading Con Lucey’s report, I’m not sure if it’s still sorted. Farmers in Ireland will find it hard to trust the boys at the top “again” and unless these 11 apostles are got rid of, renewal of memberships will be slow for a lot of farmers. Personally, I have concerns about rejoining. Pay membership or what?

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