Interviews are to take place today for the new Director General of the IFA and it is understood that five candidates are in the running for the position.
While a shortlist of names has not been released and is being kept under-wraps, it is believed that the five candidates are well-known names from the agriculture sector.
The Director General position was advertised by the IFA in July, eight months after the now former General Secretary Pat Smith resigned from the position following revelations about his pay.
Smith resigned as General Secretary in November of last year, when the organisation came under pressure to reveal his pay. The subsequent Con Lucey report then revealed that the remuneration of the General Secretary was over €500,000 in three separate years.
No details of the pay or remuneration for the top position were included in the IFA’s advertisement for the job.
It is not yet known when exactly the new Director General will take up the position.
Reporting to IFA President Joe Healy, the new Director General will have full responsibility for the efficient and effective day-to-day running and operations of the IFA.
The successful candidate will also play a key role in the formulation of policy and the development of strategy within the association.