The IFA is finally on the hunt for a new boss. The Dealer had to double-check himself but 33 weeks have passed since former general secretary Pat Smith left the IFA in the wake of the pay scandal.

Accountancy firm KPMG is calling for applications for the postion of director general with the IFA.

Why the name change?

As part of his review of the IFA in the wake of the pay controversies in 2015, former IFA economist Con Lucey recommended the splitting of roles previously held by the general secretary. Lucey surmised that there were too many “administrative” functions with the general secretary and the new director general should be more focused on offering leadership to the IFA.

How much will the new DG be paid?

Interestingly, there is no mention of salary in the advert. However, I think it’s safe to say that the next boss of the IFA will not be on the same pay levels as Smith, who resigned in November 2015 after it emerged he had earned more than €530,000 in 2013.

Who is in the mix?

That’s the toughest question of all. A prestigious job no doubt, but it has certainly been tainted by the events of recent times.

Acting general secretary Bryan Barry is likely to throw the hat in the ring, as is livestock man Kevin Kinsella – both lost out to Smith in 2009 and could run again.

Economist Rowena Dwyer would be a farmer favourite, while Elaine Farrell is a formidable operator who was instrumental in working on the Lucey report.

On the outside, Damian McDonald of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has long been considered a capable head for the role. He previously served his as CEO of Macra.

James Brady is the former IFA pig executive and current general manager with the country’s largest pig processor. He is seen by many as an ideal candidate.

Other Farm Centre old heads include Pat O’Keeffe (Glanbia), Paul Meade (Aryzta), Tom Curran (Fine Gael) and Michael Murphy (ex-Bord Bia).

With Theresa May the new British prime minister, Hilary Clinton favourite to be next in the White House in the US and Angela Merkel controlling the EU, the time might be right for a female leader of the IFA.