Following a week of fresh revelations, accusations and counter-accusations, sharp divisions have emerged on the next step the IFA must take.

The need for fundamental change was made clear by members at a succession of county executive meetings since Friday, where emotions ran high. Seven executives have passed motions calling for further resignations, although 10 counties have countered by calling for some space to allow Con Lucey’s review to take place.

It comes as the association has stood by its assertion that former president Eddie Downey acted alone when agreeing the €2m severance package with Pat Smith. On Tuesday, Eddie Downey said he had received advice in relation to the severance package, and other IFA members were made aware of it. He also said he only became aware of Pat Smith’s “outrageous” pay levels on the day Smith resigned.

In a public apology following recent events, the IFA has invited all members to feed into the review process. Lucey is accepting submissions until next Monday.

He reports back to the executive council on 15 December. Lucey will report on all aspects of the remuneration package of the former general secretary, president and deputy president from 2009 (when Pat Smith became general secretary) to now. He will make recommendations for the future.

In addition, he will look at executive pay levels in IFA and voluntary officer expenses.

Following criticism at county executives around the country in recent days of the concentration of power in too few hands, Lucey will look at the role of the 53-strong national executive as the governing body of the IFA.

He will also look at national committees in the role of policy formulation. During last year’s beef protests, the livestock committee advocated stronger and longer action than was taken.