THE IRISH Farmers' Association is to hold a special executive meeting later today to ratify the appointment of Pat Smith as the new general secretary of the organisation to replace Michael Berkery.
A spokesman for the organisation refused last night to comment on any aspect of the appointment but did confirm a special executive meeting would take place at 11am at the Bluebell headquarters.
Mr Smith, who is director of organisation at the IFA, is a long-established association staff member and was one of the front-runners to replace Mr Berkery.
Interviews to replace the long-serving general secretary had been taking place following Mr Berkery's announcement that he was leaving the post.
Mr Smith has been involved with the IFA for the past 20 years.
He is also secretary of Agri Aware since its establishment in 1996 and was one of its founding members.