The IFA intends not to pay Pat Smith a severance package. IFA deputy president Tim O’Leary spoke to the Irish Farmers Journal on Wednesday, when he indicated the association’s intention to fight the proposed package.

O’Leary took over the presidential duties from IFA president Eddie Downey on Monday night after the latter announced his intention to step back from the role.

Economist

Downey is doing so to allow former IFA chief economist Con Lucey to conduct a review of the procedures of the association.

This follows the resignation of former general secretary Pat Smith last week.

The IFA will now pursue avenues to halt the payment of the package, as questions have been raised regarding the process by which the package was agreed.

O’Leary said he was “pleased to announce that the former IFA chief economist Con Lucey has agreed to conduct a thorough review of the structures in the association around corporate governance and related matters, including issues around remuneration and will report to the Executive Council on Tuesday 15 December”.