TIGHT contests are being predicted by observers in the four-way battle to secure the top positions in the IFA for the coming four years.

The two candidates for the presidency are Francie Gorman from Laois and Limerick’s, Martin Stapleton – with Galway’s Pat Murphy bidding to edge ahead of Wexford’s Alice Doyle for the position of Deputy President.

Close on 150 delegates turned out in the Raheen Woods Hotel for the Galway night of the hustings with all four candidates addressing the meeting.

The meeting which lasted for over three-hours featured a lengthy question and answer session with the candidates – with Galway having an IFA membership of close on 4,500, the county is one of the big voting powers in the association.

Galway IFA Chair, Stephen Canavan, said that Monday night’s meeting was a very informative one with delegates very well informed ‘on what the real issues are on the ground with farmers’.

“Farmers want to see the IFA involved at the conception stage of policy and scheme decisions which will impact on their future direction in agriculture.

“There are concerns out there among farmers that the IFA may not be as influential as a lobbying body as they were maybe five or 10-years ago.

Pictured: Deputy presidential candidate Pat Murphy: Every vote is crucial.