Donnelly to run for IFA regional role

IFA County PRO Paddy Donnelly has announced his intention to run for the position of Vice President of Irish Farmers Association in the Ulster North Leinster Region.A fulltime farmer, Mr. Donnelly, who stepped down from the role at the helm of IFA in Westmeath in February, has been actively involved in the IFA for the past 15 years.He has experience as Chairman of Animal Health for six years, been on the National Council for four years and has served as IFA Westmeath County Chairman for a further four years.Speaking of his decision to run for the elections next December, Mr. Donnelly expressed his belief that he could achieve more for the farming community through the IFA at regional level.'I feel I have the experience to run for Vice President of the Ulster North Leinster region which entails seven counties,' commented Mr. Donnelly.Acknowledging the level of time, energy and experience necessary for the position, Mr. Donnelly said he felt he was ready to take on the task and he hopes his experience, which covers all sectors of farming, would convince people that he was ready for the job.Mr Donnelly has already selected his election team and he now plans to 'hit the ground running' on the campaign trail from mid August.He expects to have a lot of work in the coming months as the area Ulster North Leinster region includes Meath, Westmeath, Donegal, Louth, Cavan, Longford and Monaghan.He said he hoped that all farmers in Westmeath would come out and give him the support he needs in the upcoming campaign.Mr. Donnelly farms suckler beef and sheep on a 65 hectare farm in Balrath on the outskirts of Mullingar.