Magazine editor 'honoured' to be asked to take role of president

A woman is being named as a potential candidate in the race for the Irish Farmers’ Association presidency for the first time in its history. Maireád Lavery was a prominent figure in the organisation before she joined the Irish Farmers Journal in 2000. She is now editor of its Irish Country Living magazine.

A group of farmers in Limerick are championing her case but she said she had not made up her mind on whether she would run. She said she was “really honoured” to be considered for the role of IFA president and had great respect for the farmers who were behind the campaign. “But there’s 10 months before this election,” she said. Ms Lavery lives on the family sheep farm near Shanagolden, Co Limerick.To secure a nomination, she must be approved by her county executive and five other county executives.