Farmers expect the IFA to be in the national media in their defence of Irish agriculture, not for internal governance issues. It is unfortunate at the time when the main commodity prices are under real pressure and just ahead of critical climate change talks in Paris that the remuneration of the general secretary is dominating discussions.
Farmers expect the IFA to be in the national media in their defence of Irish agriculture, not for internal governance issues.
It is unfortunate at the time when the main commodity prices are under real pressure and just ahead of critical climate change talks in Paris that the remuneration of the general secretary is dominating discussions.
As we reported last week, the decision was taken by the IFA executive council for the issue to be dealt with by a remuneration committee consisting of the president Eddie Downey, deputy president Tim O’Leary, treasurer Ger Bergin and former Glanbia CEO John Moloney.
The question now is whether or not the IFA membership trusts this committee to best represent their interests. If they don’t, then the county executive structure allows them to present the alternative view. While members of the executive council are responsible for reflecting this view, it’s ultimate responsibility is the governance of the IFA.
The executive council has a responsibility to get this matter cleared off the table and get back to the business of protecting farmer interests. This issue has been an undercurrent within the IFA since August 2014 when the Irish Farmers Journal reported that former IFA chief economist Con Lucey had stepped down from the audit and risk committee.
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