Nominations open as IFA prepares to elect new president

Nominations are now open for the new president of the Irish Farmers Association.

It follows the resignation of Eddie Downey amid ongoing controversy over the pay of former general secretary Pat Smith.

Mr Smith was earning more than €500,000 a year in pay and pension contributions and walked away from the association having agreed a €2m severance package.

Nominations for the post must be in by January 6.

A process to try and change the rules of the association to allow a longer timeframe before an election is also underway.