McCarthy appeals for IFA support

IFA PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL SEEKS KERRY BACKING IN THREE MAN RACE

IFA presidential hopeful, Flor McCarthy, is appealing to voters in Kerry to come out strong in support of his bid to be president as voting continues ahead of the April 19 deadline.

The Kenmare native feels he is in a strong position in the race and has so far been very encouraged by the reception in counties outside of his traditional base of Munster.

“I’m very happy with it. We’re in with a massive chance and it could come down to a 100 votes, so I’m appealing to the Kerry vote to come out strong and vote. I’ll put it this way: if I’m not elected president, it will be a long time again before a Kerry man has a chance,” Mr McCarthy said.

The three-way election contest has put Mr McCarthy and rivals, Joe Healy and Henry Burns, through their paces since January following an exhaustive itinerary consisting of over 27 public meetings across Ireland and several media interviews.

“It’s very competitive and it’s an exhausting campaign. I’ve done over 27 public debates and various other interviews and debates, so it’s proving a long election,” he added.

Geography is likely to be a decisive factor in the race and Mr McCarthy says it’s still not clear whether people will vote according to policy, or stay parochial.

However, the Kenmare man feels his past record as IFA official is helping his chances and creating what he calls ‘strong name recognition’.

“I’ve discovered that a big plus for me is that my name is well known from all my past experience and work on behalf of farmers. So how does he call it? “The first candidate to be eliminated will be interesting as I’m seen as the candidate most transferable in the race. So naturally my aim is to stay firm as the block votes are transferable and will be crucial to my chances.

IFA presidential hopeful, Flor McCarthy