One Laois girl has officially declared her intentions and another is also thought to be in the mix ahead of next year’s Macra na Feirme presidential elections.
Veronica Wheatley, from Doonane near Crettyard, the current Laois county chairperson and a prominent member of East Laois Macra, announced last week that she will seek nominations to challenge for the position of Leinster vice-president.
2019 will see the presidential and vice-presidential elections for Leinster, Munster and the north-west region take place.
Veronica, who works as a milk office administrator with Glanbia, made the announcement at a Young Farmer Discussion meeting in Rathdowney. She previously represented Laois at the international Ms Macra event.
Helen Dempsey, who is involved with Mountmellick Macra, is expected to run against Veronica Wheatley, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Laois candidates have a strong association with Macra over the years – and there have provided a number of national presidents over the years.
Michael Gowing from Portlaoise was the most recent president when he served from 2009 to 2011 while Padraig Walshe – who would later go on to become president of the IFA – was Macra president from 1987 to 1989.
Prior to him, Hugh Ryan was president from 1965 to 1967 and William Bland was the first organisation’s first president in 1947-48 and again from 1949 to 1951.
SEE ALSO – Houses for sale around Portlaoise for under €120,000
