The IFA has said its president Eddie Downey is to “step back” from his role. Deputy president Tim O’Leary is to take up the position of acting president.
In a statement issued by the IFA on Monday night, Downey said that he “wished to give Con Lucey and the association the time and space to thoroughly review the situation and therefore would step back to facilitate the review”.
Downey’s situation had become increasingly difficult in recent days, with numerous IFA members calling for his resignation.
The organisation has been rocked by controversy following revelations of Smith pay packages of €535,000 in 2013 and €445,000 in 2014. Downey himself had said that such levels of remuneration were not justified.
Apology
“Mistakes have been made and I want to apologise for that,” Downey said in the statement. “Steps have been taken to ensure that past mistakes are never repeated.”
The IFA has also disclosed that Downey is paid €147,000 a year as president, and that Tim O’Leary receives €35,000 as deputy president.
“These figures are under review. The remuneration package of any future IFA general secretary will be disclosed and will be a matter of public record in the annual accounts,” the IFA has said.
Con Lucey to examine remuneration
The IFA has also said that former chief economist Con Lucey will come back to assist the association in solving recent issues at the organisation.
According to the statement: “IFA’s executive board met [on Monday evening] and asked former chief economist Con Lucey to review and report to the executive council on:
”The implementation of the recommendations around remuneration and other observations in his letters, and;”To make any additional recommendations on corporate governance or other areas which he considers relevant.”Speaking to RTÉ, acting president O’Leary said: “Con is a man of high integrity. Everybody has the highest respect for Con Lucey. He will review now the changes we have made in the organisation, and he will make recommendations as to what more we need to do – if any – and address all issues, within weeks.
“We have to get it right for our members,” O’Leary added.
“I can absolutely understand the anger of our members. I can absolutely understand their disappointment that this was allowed to happen. We will never allow this to occur again and I give everybody my personal commitment on that,” O’Leary said.
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Full coverage: Turmoil at the IFA
The IFA has said its president Eddie Downey is to “step back” from his role. Deputy president Tim O’Leary is to take up the position of acting president.
In a statement issued by the IFA on Monday night, Downey said that he “wished to give Con Lucey and the association the time and space to thoroughly review the situation and therefore would step back to facilitate the review”.
Downey’s situation had become increasingly difficult in recent days, with numerous IFA members calling for his resignation.
The organisation has been rocked by controversy following revelations of Smith pay packages of €535,000 in 2013 and €445,000 in 2014. Downey himself had said that such levels of remuneration were not justified.
Apology
“Mistakes have been made and I want to apologise for that,” Downey said in the statement. “Steps have been taken to ensure that past mistakes are never repeated.”
The IFA has also disclosed that Downey is paid €147,000 a year as president, and that Tim O’Leary receives €35,000 as deputy president.
“These figures are under review. The remuneration package of any future IFA general secretary will be disclosed and will be a matter of public record in the annual accounts,” the IFA has said.
Con Lucey to examine remuneration
The IFA has also said that former chief economist Con Lucey will come back to assist the association in solving recent issues at the organisation.
According to the statement: “IFA’s executive board met [on Monday evening] and asked former chief economist Con Lucey to review and report to the executive council on:
”The implementation of the recommendations around remuneration and other observations in his letters, and;”To make any additional recommendations on corporate governance or other areas which he considers relevant.”Speaking to RTÉ, acting president O’Leary said: “Con is a man of high integrity. Everybody has the highest respect for Con Lucey. He will review now the changes we have made in the organisation, and he will make recommendations as to what more we need to do – if any – and address all issues, within weeks.
“We have to get it right for our members,” O’Leary added.
“I can absolutely understand the anger of our members. I can absolutely understand their disappointment that this was allowed to happen. We will never allow this to occur again and I give everybody my personal commitment on that,” O’Leary said.
Read more
Full coverage: Turmoil at the IFA
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