IFA council ratifies appointment of Pat Smith as body’s chief executive

THE appointment of Pat Smith as general secretary and chief executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) was ratified at a special meeting of its executive council in Dublin yesterday.

IFA president Padraig Walshe, who proposed the appointment, said Mr Smith has shown outstanding commitment and energy during his time in the association and is well equipped to provide the leadership required into the future.

“His exceptional record in increasing membership and strengthening the resources of IFA has been critical to the success of the organisation,” he said.