Kildare farmer launches bid to be IFA deputy president

Kildare farmer Brian Rushe has officially launched his campaign to be the next deputy president of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
Rushe (38), who farms alongside his wife Rebecca and their two sons John and Rhys, currently serves as the IFA Kildare / West Wicklow Chairman, a position he has held since 2017.
Outlining his campaign pledges at the launch in Newbridge on Tuesday night, Rushe paid tribute to his local support, his family and the wider farming community.
“I am truly honoured and delighted to be nominated by local IFA branch Carbury-Cadamstown. I am ready to work hard to deliver a bright and sustainable future for our farmers and their families.
“So often now we, as farmers, feel like we are under more and more pressure.
“We all are worrying about whether we have enough money to provide for our families, pay the banks, and, in many cases, put food on the table. Farmers are the drivers of everything positive in our industry yet it’s us farmers that often benefit the least.  
“I promise that I will give it my all. I want to make a positive impact in unifying farmers and fighting for our family farm incomes. I will leave no stone unturned in doing all I can to make sure our farmers, our incomes and our great sector is protected and enhanced.
“I pledge to work with all sectors of our industry to deliver a positive future for us all. Farmers all pulling together are an unstoppable force and I want to help us to do that,” Brian Rushe said.   
Brian Rushe’s campaign pledges: 
•       Fairness for farmers along the supply chain. “We must be at the centre of the chain and not seen as the weak link or an afterthought.” 
•       Recognition that farmers do more than anyone else to drive positive environmental change. “We must be rewarded for this.” 
•       Mobilising and energising an agile IFA. “We will face all the challenges that lie ahead including Brexit, CAP reform, market volatility and increasing bureaucracy.” 
•       Hold those who work for farmers to account. “All parties must be working for a better future for Irish farmers.”