The Laois man has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that he will not be contesting the election. Nominations opened today, and must be in by 6 January 2016.

Bergin is currently the national treasurer and returning officer, and in the latter capacity has a large burden of responsibility to ensure the elections, which have been triggered by the resignation of Eddie Downey in the wake of the Pat Smith pay controversy, are conducted in the best manner. “I want to focus on working toward a free and fair election, with an inclusive process that brings members back together,” said Bergin. The rules and privileges committee that Bergin chairs met yesterday, and will propose to the national executive that they endorse a rule adjustment to allow the elections take place in a longer time frame than is currently provided for. It is likely there will not be a vote before march, and it could well be May or June.

Bergin is the first high-profile member of IFA to confirm he is not a candidate. Acting president Tim O’Leary is the only declared candidate. Bergin’s announcement may well clear the way for his fellow Laois man, livestock chairman Henry Burns, to run. Laois has had a candidate in three of the last four presidential elections, with Padraig Walshe defeated in 2001, successful in 2009, and Jer Bergin himself defeated by Eddie Downey in 2013.

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