The Irish Farmers Association has a new President.

Meath farmer Eddie Downey has been elected the 14th leader of the IFA - which has around 88 thousand members.

The 52-year-old from Slane was named as John Bryan's successor - after a day long election count in Dublin.

He defeated the south Leinster vice-president Jer Bergin from Ballacolla in Laois - to win the four year post.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Agriculture has paid tribute to the new President of the IFA Eddie Downey.

Eddie Downey says he is taking over the helm at a time when there is more optimism in the country: