New IFA boss must rebuild its influence

Joe Healy may be a new broom, but he must work fast to reinvigorate the organisation, regain its power and influence and tackle the problems of globalisation

Joe Healy, new president of the Irish Farmers’ Association, got just over 50 per cent of votes Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke

Athenry dairy and cattle farmer Joe Healy was elected as the 15th president of the IFA last week.

The relatively unknown farmer was returned with just over 50 per cent of the total vote, with many farmers clearly favouring the former Macra na Feirme president over the two experienced candidates with deep backgrounds in internal IFA politics.

The youthful Healy is a clean break from last year’s pay scandal. Revelations around a €535,000 ...