Thomas Duffy, a dairy farmer from Ramor Macra in Co Cavan, was the only person nominated to be the next president of Macra by the closing date on Wednesday.

The last time there was one candidate for the job was in 2007 when Catherine Buckley ran for election. For the Leinster, Munster and northwest VP positions, the nominations for Leinster are: Eamon Briscoe Termonfeckin Macra, Co Louth; Gerard Mahon, Killoughey Macra Co Offaly; Helen Dempsey, Mountmellick Macra, Co Laois; and Veronica Wheatley, East Laois Macra, Co Laois.

There are three nominations in Munster: John Cremin, Shannonside Macra, Co Limerick; Trevor Coffey, Mid Kerry Macra, Co Kerry; and Sean Wallace Donoughmore Macra, Muskerry, Co Cork.

Two candidates will battle it out for the northwest job: Fergus O’Rourke, Carrigallen Macra, Co Leitrim; and Shane Quigley, Castlebar Macra, Co Mayo.

Meanwhile, I see this Saturday the Macra national debating final takes place. The motion is “that Macra is as relevant to farming today as it was when it was founded”.