NFU Scotland’s presidential election may be a two-man race, despite three names being forward for the job.
At the union’s annual Christmas press briefing all three candidates were asked to explain why they should get the job above the two others.
Two were happy to answer the question and argue the case for their election, however one was more reserved and very reluctant to answer.
First up to answer was current president Allan Bowie, who took on the role two years ago following a six-year stint as vice-president.
He said he had a lot of experience doing the job and he wanted to “rise to the challenge” once more.
He added he had delegated a lot of responsibilities to his vice-presidents and said the past two years had been a team effort.
Andrew McCornick, who has been a vice-president since February 2015, was quick to answer and said he wanted the union to be “more robust”.
“I don’t think we can accept the same old, same old,” he added.
He called for the development of a “good strategy” for proper membership representation and said the union needed to be “out there fighting”.
Rob Livesey, who has been a vice-president since February 2013, was reluctant to answer the question and said he felt awkward challenging his friends.
However, he did say he was equally as well qualified as the others for the job, but admitted he would have a different approach from current president Allan Bowie.
He added: “It’s up to the membership to see who I am for what I am. I’m not going to influence how they might view me.”
Regardless of how the candidates answer questions from the press, it will be down to the union’s members to attend events, hear from the candidates and make their own minds up.
Union chief executive Scott Walker hit the nail on the head when he said the next couple of years will be among the most challenging the union has ever faced.
Key to the success of the union, and perhaps that of Scottish agriculture in post-Brext discussions, will be having the right man in the job.
Choose wisely.