The President of the Irish Farmers Association is to "step back" from the organisation.

It follows the controversy surrounding revelations that Pat Smith the former IFA General Secretary received a pay and pensions package of €535,000 in 2013.

The IFA has announced its former Chief Economist Con Lucey is to return and conduct a review of remuneration and governance in the association.

President Eddie Downey has apologised, admitting mistakes have been made. He says he wants to give the IFA the time and space to carry out the review.

Pat O'Toole of The Irish Farmer's Journal says grassroots members forced the executive's hand: