The first Macra na Feirme president hustings took place on Tuesday night in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Candidates in the race to be the 36th president of Macra are Odile Evans and James Healy. Evans, a dairy farmer from Co Wexford and news correspondent with the Irish Farmers Journal, said she has three campaign focuses: to enhance the image of Macra; to strengthen the rural youth committee; and to increase the number of young farmers retained in Macra. Evans has taken a period of unpaid leave to contest the election.

Healy from Co Cork focused on membership and delivering a fair CAP for young farmers.

He said he would lobby on behalf of young farmers to ensure that their priorities are a key part of the next CAP.

Listen to the two candidates in our podcast below:

Listen to "Macra presidential candidates at the first husting in Co Leitrim" on Spreaker.

The next hustings debate will take place on Thursday 9 March in Glanmire, Co Cork.