IFA in turmoil after boss Pat Smith's shock resignation

The IFA is said to be in turmoil today following yesterday's shock resignation by its general secretary Pat Smith.

He said he was stepping down in the association's best interests, following controversy over his refusal to reveal how much he was being paid.

It was claimed his salary was around €400,000 a year, more than twice that paid to Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The IFA's executive council will hold an emergency meeting later to discuss the issue. There is no word yet as to who the replacement may be.

Pat O'Toole of the Irish Farmers' Journal said: "I think (the IFA) is in turmoil, but the work goes on.

"The IFA has a huge variety of issues (to tackle), including a climate change conference coming up in Paris. Pat Smith was due to go there. A team will still go.

"Undoubtedly, Pat Smith's resignation will be a topic of discussion."

UPDATE (12.29): Carlow County IFA cchairman Derek Deane expects to hear from IFA President Eddie Downey at the meeting in Portlaoise this afternoon.

"Well, we're having an emergency council meeting tofday, and more will be disclosed," he said.

"I haven't been speaking to him, and I think that serious decisions have to be made in the council anbout whre we go from here."