The executive of the Irish Farmer's Association survived a vote of no confidence last night.

It followed the release of the report into pay and structures by Con Lucey, the former Chief Economist with the IFA.

Mr Lucey revealed that former General Secretary Pat Smith earned 3.4 million between 2009 and 2015, an average packet of 492,000 a year.

But he said the pay levels of executive staff are broadly in line with those in the Civil Service.

The acting President has now stood down to pursue election to the post.

Irish Farmers Journal's Pat O'Toole says for the second time in a month the IFA has a new leader at the helm - Jer Bergin: