IFA meet following resignation of General Secretary Pat Smith

Leaders and county representatives from the Irish Farmers Association are meeting this evening, to discuss their way forward following the shock resignation of the association's General Secretary Pat Smith, and revelations about his pay.

It is reported that members are hoping the details of top level salaries within the IFA will be published.

The meeting of the IFA's Executive Council has been ongoing since 3.30pm this afternoon.

Prior to the meeting, which was originally scheduled to start at 2pm - members gathered in small circles and spoke in hushed tones to discuss what is next for the organisation.

During this time the IFA board was meeting to discuss the events of the past 24 hours.

Their General Secretary Pat Smith stepped down in a shock move, following questions and contraversy over the amount of his salary.

It is reported that Smith's pay is in excess of €400,000, twice that of the Taoiseach.

Derek Deane, who supported a motion of no confidence in Pat Smith back in January, has said the revelations about the IFA general secretary is a scandal that will take time to recover from.

"I'd like to think that there are lessons that have been learned and I would like to think things will be right that was wronged and I hope that will happen going forward."

A statement is expected soon, when the executive council meeting concludes.