Limerick farmer confirms he's running for IFA president

OOLA farmer Martin Stapleton has officially confirmed his long-rumored intention to run for president of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) in November.

He made the announcement at Wednesday night's monthly IFA county executive meeting 

Mr Stapleton is following in the footsteps of superb farm leaders from Limerick - Paddy Fitzgerald, Munster vice-president and a founding member of IFA; Willie Staunton from Galbally, another Munster vice-president; Richard Kennedy from Clarina, deputy president, and John Dillon from Pallasgreen, IFA president 2002-2005.

Mr Stapleton is currently chair of IFA’s Rules and Privileges Committee and National Returning Officer, previously he was chair of IFA’s much respected and influential Farm Business Committee. 

On the night Mr Stapleton's decision was welcomed by John Dillon, Richard Kennedy, Limerick IFA chairman Sean Lavery and former county chairs Mike O’Flynn and Shay Galvin.

Every one of them felt that Martin Stapleton is a man for these challenging times for farmers and will make a great president. Their active support is guaranteed, and they urged Limerick farmers to get behind the election campaign when asked. 

The first up to welcome Mr Stapleton's announcement was Oola IFA branch chair Mary Breen.

Mr Stapleton revealed a few key themes in his speech to the room.

“Renewing respect for farmers and renewing the power of IFA will be the cornerstone of my presidential campaign," he said.

Half a million euro farm for sale close to Limerick village

Mr Stapleton emphasised that “unity, strength and delivery was an old IFA motto” and that “unity and cohesion can be our greatest assets in the farming sector"

"We can achieve a huge amount, by coming together as a strong, unified farming organization, representative of all farming enterprises and all farmers, full and part-time, rural and urban, big and small," he said

Mr Stapleton said “Freedom to farm for ourselves” was very important to Irish farmers but “as custodians of the countryside, we understand the challenge of reducing emissions and that we have a part to play in protecting water quality and supporting biodiversity.” 

He also countered that “our livelihoods must be protected” and “we will not put at risk any hard won economic and social gains that sustain rural families.”

Mr Lavery urged Limerick farmers to "leave on the green jersey of Limerick after Sunday’s Munster final in the TUS Gaelic Grounds!" and get behind one of their own in the coming months during the long, tough and exhausting campaign.