Splinter group feels vindicated in decision to leave IFA

The head of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association says they feel vindicated about their decision to leave the Irish Farmers Association following the recent controversies.

IFA members are reeling over revelations on pay and pensions for some of those on its executive and many farmers are threatening to leave.

In February, a small splinter group left to establish their own lobby group.

Chairman of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers association Vincent Roddy feels they have been proven right to do so.

Mr Roddy said: "One of the big losers in what has happened over the past week has been Irish agriculture.

"What is happening inside the Irish Farmers Association is an issue they have to resolve themselves, we set up last February as an organisation to represent farmers on hill and common land, because we felt that our voice wasn't being listened to.

"I suppose since that we have been representing farmers and we'll be respresenting other smallholders as well."