Over the past couple of weeks, the IFA welcomed a series of the political leaders to its executive council meetings.

Three weeks ago, An Taoiseach rode in to address “the farmers”. Last week it was the turn of Fianna Fáil, Labour and Sinn Féin.

FF and Labour leaders Micheál Martin and Joan Burton, complete with sidekick Willie Penrose, gave their speech to the council. Gerry Adams from Sinn Féin had originally been billed to talk but he was replaced by MEP and SF director of elections Matt Carthy. However, at the 11th hour, Carthy pulled out too.

Does the party not see the benefit of the much vaunted farmer vote? Judging by our poll this week, maybe so.