Mayo farmers want clear-out of top IFA positions

FARMERS in Mayo are calling for a complete clearout of the top positions in the Irish Farmers Association.

They are not satisfied with the president of the IFA Eddie Downey 'stepping back' while a review of the association’s salary scales is taking place.

They are insisting on his resignation and want the deputy president, Tim O’Leary, the national treasurer and others  to step down as well.

The chairman of Mayo IFA Padraig Joyce said members in Mayo are seeking a complete root and branch clear-out at the top level of the organisation.

The views were expressed at a meeting of the Mayo IFA county executive.

He stated: 'There was a consensus among farmers that the people who received the letter from Con Lucey (relating to salary scales) should resign.'

'The letter was read out at the county executive and everyone agreed that it should have been acted on by those who received it.'

While Mayo IFA has not put forward any motions of no confidence, it has written a letter to the executive council detailing its concerns.

'The resolution will be going to council tomorrow,' said Mr. Joyce. 'The first letter was sent on August 18, 2014, and we are asking for the present people, who were aware of the contents and didn’t act on it, to resign.'