DEAR SIR

At a recent branch meeting of Carrigaline IFA, one of the largest and most active branches in the country, the members expressed their shock and anger at the level of greed and sense of self- entitlement that was allowed to develop at the highest level within the association.

The association was severely criticised for its lack of governance under a number of previous executive councils.

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While recognising the achievements of the IFA in that period, it was noted that much of this was achieved through the energy of voluntary members on nil or minimum expenses, rather than the skill or intervention of highly paid executives. Members were disgusted at what this lack of governance has cost and will cost, but after a heated debate it was felt that the future of the association itself, an integral part of our business, should be our priority at this time.

As we await the findings of the Lucey report, we expect that the proper structures will be put in place to ensure that this can never happen again. These new structures should be well documented and explained to all members. It was the strong view of the meeting that members should stand by and support the association as it has served us extremely well over the past 60 years. It was felt that we should move on from the media blame game, to ensure that the IFA maintains its position as the strongest farm lobby group in Europe.

It was noted that there are many out there who want to undermine the association and create divisions, and we must not play into their hands. It was felt that much of the public comment by members and others was causing damage.

It was the view of the meeting that members should not consider withdrawal of membership or levies, without taking time to make a full appraisal of the implications of having an association without the resources to represent our interests, when it was never more needed.