IFA General Secretary, Pat Smith earned €553,000 in 2013
The salary of former general secretary of the Irish Farmers' Association has been revealed at a meeting of the organisation's executive council in Portlaoise. Pat Smith stepped down from the role recently following controversy over his salary. The Irish Farmers Journal is reporting that IFA President Eddie Downey told the meeting that Mr Smith was paid a total salary of €445,000 in 2014 and a total salary of €553,000 in 2013. This came as a huge shock to both members of the association and the general public.
This comprised a basic salary of €295,000, €150,000 pension contributionas well as a €60,000 bonus payment and a €30,000 director's fee for Mr Smith's role with IFA Telecom.
Although Pat Smith was very effective for the IFA this is a major blow to the organisation and now members feel cheated on and their trust of the association is now lessened.
PATRICK FANNON
The salary of former general secretary of the Irish Farmers' Association has been revealed at a meeting of the organisation's executive council in Portlaoise. Pat Smith stepped down from the role recently following controversy over his salary. The Irish Farmers Journal is reporting that IFA President Eddie Downey told the meeting that Mr Smith was paid a total salary of €445,000 in 2014 and a total salary of €553,000 in 2013. This came as a huge shock to both members of the association and the general public.
This comprised a basic salary of €295,000, €150,000 pension contributionas well as a €60,000 bonus payment and a €30,000 director's fee for Mr Smith's role with IFA Telecom.
Although Pat Smith was very effective for the IFA this is a major blow to the organisation and now members feel cheated on and their trust of the association is now lessened.
PATRICK FANNON