Monaghan man elected IFA regional president

Frank Brady from Monaghan was elected as the IFA Ulster/North Leinster Regional Chairman at the count held in the Irish Farm Centre on Friday

Mr Brady received 1,199 votes, to John Curran, the Meath IFA chairperson, with 929 votes.

Returning officer, Martin Stapleton, said the turnout of 83 per cent among delegates to the seven county executives in the Ulster/North Leinster region was a decisive mandate.

"This election was a hybrid of in-person voting at county executives and postal ballots. It has worked very well across our county executive structure. It shows the flexibility of the association in responding to the circumstances," he said.

Frank Brady said he looked forward to representing farmers on the National Officers’ Committee and National Council.

"I am aware of the issues and challenges facing farmers. I will bring my experience as chairman of Monaghan IFA and as a member of the IFA Pigs Committee to my new role and I look forward to working with the president and other members of National Council," he said.

Frank Brady acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor Nigel Renaghan and pledged to carry on his work. The regional chairman has responsibility for communicating with, and supporting county executives; co-ordinating IFA campaigns at regional level; and, as a national officer and member of council, dealing with urgent issues arising between council meetings and liaising directly with county executives within the region.