WHEN MICHAEL Berkery took over the job as general secretary of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) in 1983, the organisation had 85,000 members but there were over 200,000 farmers.
Over a quarter of a decade later as farm numbers have dropped to about 100,000, the IFA still has 85,000 members and this he believes is the best legacy he can leave behind.
“We have held our numbers because we adapted to change and I believe this organisation, which is 54 years old, will still be around in another 55 years time,” he said.
As he tidied up his desk yesterday prior to his departure this evening, the Tipperary-born Berkery, who dominated farm politics for more than two decades recalled a career which saw him at the centre of many controversies.
He served as secretary to eight presidents of the IFA; Lane, Cashman, Rea, Clinton, Gillis, Donnelly, Parlon and the current president, Pádraig Walshe.
He would not name the one he thought was the best at the job but rather pointed out the strengths each brought to the job at the time.
Lane had taken the farmers into Europe, Cashman got them extra milk quota, Rea had taken them into Partnership, Clinton had prevented their eviction, Gillis had highlighted Gatt and Donnelly had highlighted low farm incomes.
Tom Parlon, he said, would be remembered for taking on the meat plants and John Dillon would be remembered for his tractorcade. Pádraig Walshe had been chosen to fight the corner of dairy farmers.
He recalled the access he had as general secretary to taoisigh too. He recalled a good relationship with Garret FitzGerald and a row with his government over a proposed land tax. He said Charlie Haughey was the most financially aware of the leaders and was extremely business orientated.