New IFA president puts environment as top priority

The new IFA president, Mr John Dillon, has told the association that he is prepared to give positive leadership in the environmental debate.

In his inaugural address at the AGM today, Mr Dillon said he also intends to seek pre-election commitments from all the political parties to insure the future of Irish farming.

He said there was a commercial reality for farmers and he was prepared to work on the best scientific advice to improve water quality.

"We must protect the environment, but we must do it without undermining commercial farming," he said.

The new IFA president earlier took over the post from Mr Tom Parlon. Mr Parlon is expected to pursue a political career with either Fine Gael or the Progressive Democrats.