Healy confirmed as IFA presidential candidate

In doing so, Healy has managed to mobilise the fractious west of Ireland, where the counties which backed him are located. Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Healy said: “I am very happy to have gotten the full set of nominations. I was always worried about that because entering the race late in the day can work against you. Now I’m just happy to be officially in the race.”

In total, seven figures have thrown their names into the ring for president. But Healy is the first to receive the required number of nominations from county executives.

In order to become a candidate, presidential hopefuls must receive the backing of their own county executive, plus the backing of at least five other county executives. This means that only a maximum of four nominees can become candidates in the race.

Nominations for president close on Wednesday 6 January at 5.30pm.

Reaction

Reacting to the news, Pat Murphy, IFA Galway county chairman, said he is "absolutely delighted" that Joe has received the full backing of the west. "He is exactly what grassroots members need at the moment. He is a county officer on the farm business committee of the IFA but he has not been involved at national level in the IFA and hasn't been implicated in any of the recent events. Galway was delighted that he accepted our nomination for him to run as president and now we're delighted he is a candidate."

Joe Healy profile

Current: Galway Farm Business chair. Chair of Commonage Implementation Committee.

Past: Macra president 1995-97. Chair of Athenry Mart.

Farms: Dairy and sheep farmer in Galway.

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Full coverage: IFA elections 2016