The Executive Council of the Irish Farmer's Association has given the go ahead to elect a new president after the resignation of Eddie Downey last night.

The IFA said it was one of a number of decisions taken unanimously in the best interests of farmers after a 17 hour long meeting broke up at around 4.30 this morning.

A review of pay and pensions to be carried out by Con Lucey was ratified by the executive council, with a report due on 15th December.

It was also confirmed that the IFA will launch a legal challenge to the 2 million euro severance package of the former General Secretary Pat Smith.

Chairperson of the Clare IFA branch, Andrew Dundas, says members are very angry: