In just over four weeks, crowds will gather at the Farm Centre in Bluebell, Dublin, for the drama of counting the votes in the election for one of the most important posts in the country: president of the Irish Farmers Association. Unusually, there are four candidates instead of the usual two, and, as the PR system is used and the 900-plus branches have a vote each, a first-count declaration is not expected.
Partisan scenes are likely. The campaign, which has been in full swing for many months, is nothing if not cut throat. Some of the drama arises because the front runner, current vice-president John Dillon of Limerick, is not popular with the hierarchy at the Farm Centre, aka the permanent government, who would prefer a less anti-establishment figure. Although a deputy has never been elected before, Dillon has the support of the small farmers and the discontented and is very different from the suave and media-friendly outgoing president, Tom Parlon. The other candidates are Padraig Walshe of Laois, a former president of Macra na Feirme; John Boylan of Monaghan who is well-liked and hopes to be the first Ulsterman in the post; Raymond O'Malley, the big commercial beef producer from Co Louth.
Why the hot contest for a four-year job which is arduous, time-consuming and contentious? The president has to keep 80,000 members on side while battling away in Dublin and Brussels. Well, it is also prestigious, high profile and a path into mainstream politics. Former presidents T.J. Maher, Paddy Lane and Alan Gillis have become MEPs and Parlon has not ruled out a similar future. His politics are neither Fianna Fβil nor Fine Gael and it is said he would be available to either, should a nomination be offered. His problem as far as the Dβil is concerned is his constituency: Laois/Offaly. Brian Cowen and his colleagues John Moloney and Sean Fleming wouldn't welcome the competition and a similar situation exists in FG where, although Tom Enright is standing down, his daughter Olwyn has secured the nomination to run with sitting deputy Charlie Flanagan in the coming election. Europe could be a better bet.