IFA to withhold Pat Smith’s ‘void’ €2m severance deal

The IFA is to withhold the €2m severance package agreed between its former president and its now- departed secretary general on the basis that it is legally void.

The deal, sparked by controversy over the pay packet of Pat Smith while he was IFA secretary general, cost Eddie Downey his job as president, even though the organisation contends it is not legally binding because the body’s treasurer, Jer Bergin, refused to sign off on it.

It is also understood that while the IFA’s solicitors were in contact with Mr Downey before he entered negotiations with Mr Smith on November 19, they were not in the room when the discussions were taking place and balked at the size of the package when it was revealed to them afterwards. The same day, Mr Bergin, a former IFA presidential candidate, refused to sign off on the deal.