The IFA has appointed a new Chairman – Jer Bergin – who will uphold the role of IFA President until a new official President is elected.

During another day of lengthy negotiations in the Farm Centre, Tim O’Leary stepped aside from the role of acting President but will remain in the role of Deputy President.

Jer Bergin had already declared that he was not interested in running for President in the election.

A spokesperson for the IFA said the IFA National Treasurer Jer Bergin has been elected National Chairman of IFA to lead the Association until the election of a new President is completed.

He was elected unanimously by the Executive Council of the Irish Farmers’ Association last night.

The Executive Council will meet on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 to decide on the timing for the election of President.

The Executive Council has welcomed in principle the Review carried out by its former Chief Economist Con Lucey, describing it as an important blueprint for the future of the IFA. The Review contains a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and IFA’s structures in the best interests of members.

The Con Lucey recommendations will be debated at each of the Association’s 29 County Executives.  An Implementation Committee will be drawn up by the Executive Council to consider the views of the County Executives and the 250 submissions that have been made, as well as any fresh proposals that come from members.

The Implementation Committee will bring these back to the Executive Council for debate, decision and implementation in 2016.