IFA rulebook needs a full-time overhaul

In the recent scramble for nominations in the various IFA elections, there has been one issue bubbling under the surface.

It doesn’t concern remuneration, Pat Smith or past presidents, but Rule 75 (b), which states that “a candidate for the office of president, deputy president or regional chair shall be a full-time farmer by occupation”.

This rule has the potential to cause a major ruckus if it disallows a candidate from one of the elections.

I understand that the rules and privileges committee unanimously agrees that it needs reviewing. The clear impression is that it is well aware of the disconnect between this rule and the reality of the lives of a significant proportion of IFA members.

The rule is black and white; the reality for farm families far more complicated. A tolerant interpretation of the rule means that it’s only applied to the time when a person becomes a candidate. The definition of an “active farmer” was a contentious issue during CAP reform, and the IFA fought any narrow or restrictive definition that would disenfranchise part-time farmers. Yet their own rules preclude such a person from becoming president, or seeking the offices on the two rungs below.

These rules could, in theory, have affected Joe Healy’s candidacy due to his mart and factory reporting. If I were him, and that had happened, I would have pointed out that Flor McCarthy and Henry Burns were both away from their own farms for as much if not more time in recent years due to their roles as IFA rural development and livestock chairs, for which they received a daily allowance. Tim O’Leary, who could have been a candidate, received a salary for his role in IFA for the last two years.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not questioning any of these men’s credentials, I’m simply pointing out how hard it is to define what a full-time farmer is, and how contentious this rule would prove if it is applied.

The one legitimate fear would be that a Donald Trump candidate might emerge, someone with resources but little dependence on farming who would try to buy the presidency for vanity. The proposed new rules on campaign spending reduce that possibility.

The IFA is glad to accept the affiliation fee and levies from any member. They should then be eligible to seek high office. Let the members decide whether their CV makes them fit for office. When the constitution is being updated for new governance guidelines, Rule 75 (b) needs examination.