The IFA stand is usually the place to go for the goss at the Ploughing, and this year was no exception. Except, it was in a way, because everyone was talking about the weather, the prices, the crisis, the harvest – anything except the main item of speculation: the IFA itself. Specifically, who the next – first – DG will be.

Normally, the IFA loves nothing more than a contest, and a raft of speculation around the contest. Now, the scars of the last 12 months mean people are more guarded with their comments. Even idle banter could prove hurtful. The constant presence of the likes of former presidents Padraig Walshe, John Bryan, John Dillon, and, yes, Eddie Downey, meant you were as likely to hear a corncrake’s call as a loose comment this year.

That said, some nuggets were picked up, but they do carry the health warning of being speculation.

Firstly, there is a shortlist of candidates recommended by KPMG. It contains both internal and external candidates. The attraction of the job is clear: it is the leading role in the leading organisation in the leading industry in Ireland. The successful candidate will not be paid anything like previous general secretaries; an unconfirmed figure of under €200,000 is floating around. It’s also understood there will be a probationary period, of a year or less, with an opt-out should the new face not fit the job. This makes accepting the job a high-stakes commitment, particularly for internal candidates.

Contract

Should the probationary period be successfully negotiated by both parties, the job will be on a fixed-term contract basis. It is widely felt the decision to offer Pat Smith a permanent contract tying him and the association together for more than a decade was seen as a strategic error. Some of the dissatisfaction that surrounded the no-confidence motion against Pat Smith in early 2015 was centred around the fact he was likely to remain at the helm of the IFA for a further decade or so.

When will the new DG start? As soon as possible following selection. The long lead-in between Pat Smith being chosen and Michael Berkery stepping fully down will not be repeated. Of course, if an internal candidate is successful, they could start immediately.

Interviews could start next week, so we won’t have to wait much longer. That’s all I know; and remember, dear reader, it’s all just Ploughing gossip.