The general secretary of the Irish Farmers Association has resigned - amid major discord about his alleged pay package.

Pat Smith has been under pressure to reveal his salary, amid some claims that he is paid around €400,000 - over twice the salary of Enda Kenny.

The level of Mr Smith's pay had come under scrutiny after pressure by the IFA's former deputy president Derek Deane to reveal details of his pay.

However the IFA executive had rejected calls to reveal the salary of Mr Smith, who took over as general secretary in 2009.

In his resignation statement Mr Smith said he was stepping down in the association's best interests.