'Proud Laois man, proud of the people of Laois' says new IFA president

Ballinakill farmer Francie Gorman has given high praise to Laois people who helped him to the highest position in Irish farming.

Mr Gorman also pledged to be an IFA president for all farmers.

He will take up office at the IFA AGM in January, when he succeeds Tim Cullinan. He will be the 17th President of the IFA and the second from Laois.

He was given a big welcome home to Laois at the Abbeyleix Manor after the count concluded in Dublin.

READ Full text of speech delivered in Dublin after election as IFA president

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by saying that I am extremely grateful for the responsibility that farmers have bestowed on me in electing me President of IFA.

I’m very thankful for the support I have received in my own branch (Ballinakill), our members and the county executive in Laois led by our Chairman John Fitzpatrick – and supported by members across the country.

We have done an incredible job over the past three months.

A big shout out to Pat Hennessey, who chaired the campaign for me.

And above all, Anne Maria Aird – without whose input and sleepless nights - we wouldn’t be here today.

I also want to acknowledge the role played by Henry Burns and Jer Bergin - two men who previously put forward their names for President. Their unselfish commitment to IFA exemplifies what this organisation should stand for.

My wife Kay and son Tom are here with me this evening.

I want to thank them for being at my side on every step of this journey.

Tom has asked me to remind everybody here that he has been my real campaign manager over the past three months.

This evening, I am a proud Laois man. I am proud of the people of Laois and their generosity in helping to get me get elected.

It’s a responsibility that I will carry on my shoulders for the next four years and deliver on.

I wish to commiserate with Martin and congratulate him on a well fought campaign.

The dedication to IFA that you have demonstrated throughout your career was carried through in this election.

I want to acknowledge you, your family, friends and supporters for running a dignified and fair campaign.

I wish you, Siobhán and the kids all the very best for the future.

I also wish to congratulate Alice Doyle on winning the Deputy Presidential race and commiserate with Pat Murphy. I look forward to working with Alice over the next four years.

Everybody who puts their name up for election should be commended. It’s easy to snipe from the sidelines, but it takes courage to put one’s name forward, especially in an election such as this.

As I have repeated throughout my election campaign, I passionately believe in the Association and its ability to deliver in a positive way for farmers.

As your President, I am determined to make a positive impact and be a strong, proactive and ambitious voice for farmers.

I promise to lead IFA on the basis of Unity, Strength and Delivery.

We will only deliver for farmers if we tackle every issue in a unified manner with the determination that our forefathers demonstrated when they founded this organisation.

At the end of the day, it’s about putting money in farmers’ pockets. It’s also about communicating the positive story that we as farmers have to tell and defending farming in the face of unfair criticism.

I want to thank the Returning Officer Brian Rushe and the count staff who have done a wonderful job today and in recent weeks.

I also want to acknowledge our outgoing President Tim Cullinane who, after taking office, found a country in lockdown.

Tim worked extremely hard to keep IFA relevant over the course of those two years and for the duration of his Presidency.

Today’s election result has handed me a clear and strong mandate from IFA members who have spoken and elected me as President.

No farmer will be taken for granted under my presidency.

Let me be clear - I will be a President for all farmers.

I will lead this organisation in a unified manner.

And I stress – WE as members will be judged on the organisation that WE leave behind in four years’ time, and not the one we have today.

Stay going and I’ll see you all in Abbeyleix.

Thank you.”