Cooney launches IFA deputy president campaign vowing to stand up for farmers

A prominent Laragh farmer has re-entered the race to become the IFA's next Deputy President, vowing to work “tirelessly” for a viable future for agriculture.
Thomas Cooney set out his vision and ideas for the role at the official launch of his campaign in the Hotel Kilmore on Monday evening for the senior role in front of a home crowd.
“As deputy president I will work tirelessly to ensure that all issues that impact on farmers; Brexit, CAP reform, pressure on commodity prices, climate change regulations and trade deals, will be addressed to ensure a viable future for the farmers the length and breadth of Ireland. I am tired of farmer incomes being eroded. I am tired of farming being portrayed as part of the climate problem. We are all working harder to produce some of the best food in the world. Prices are coming down; costs are going up and regulations are getting tougher. I want to change this for the farmers of Ireland,” he said.
With the deadline for nominations closing today, Wednesday, October 2, Mr Cooney looks set to be involved in a two horse race for the deputy president role. He had originally signaled his intention to run last April but pulled out when fellow Cavan man Joe Brady entered the presidential contest. With Mr Brady's subsequent withdrawal for personal reasons just weeks later, it opened the possibility of Mr Cooney entering the election once again.
The other deputy presidential candidate is Kildare's IFA branch chairman, Brian Rushe, who made similar pledges at his campaign launch in Newbridge last week: “I promise that I will give it my all. I want to make a positive impact in unifying farmers and fighting for our family farm incomes. I will leave no stone unturned in doing all I can to make sure our farmers, our incomes and our great sector is protected and enhanced.”
An IFA member since he started farming in 1994, Mr Cooney has a much higher national profile within the IFA by virtue of his work on the environment and rural affairs committee since 2011. He has served as chairman of the same committee since 2016. The beef and dairy farmer looks set to highlight his track record to underline his suitability for the post.
“During that time I have worked tirelessly to end the duplication of tractor testing proposed by the RSA, to deliver waste tyre bring centres in Cootehill and across the country, to deliver the renewal of the nitrates derogation, to have hazardous waste collection put in place, to deliver the smart farming programme, which has shown we can reduce our bills by at least €5000.”
This national position has given him valuable experience in lobbying and explaining the IFA position at the highest levels, he said.
“I have no qualms about representing the farmers of Ireland. I’ve had face to face with a range of government Ministers, An Taoiseach, senior civil servants and three EU Commissioners to do my best to make improvements for farm families.”
Mr Cooney concluded his address saying: “I wouldn’t be able to run the campaign and the farm without the support I receive from my wife Olivia and daughters Ellen and Hannah.
I feel the experience and contacts I have gained over the last three and a half years will stand to me as we face the many challenges. As deputy president I will work tirelessly to ensure that these and any other issues that arise will be addressed and ensure a viable future for the farmers the length and breadth of Ireland.”