Roy Barrett says that there was no conflict of interest regarding his appointment as Independent Chairman of the FAI after it emerged he was proposed for the vacancy by the governor of Bank of Ireland, who are the association's largest creditor.

The Bank of Ireland is the FAI's biggest creditor with loans of €52m.

A week on from RTÉ Sport breaking the story that FAI Council member Larry Bass had claimed Barrett was recommended for the FAI role by Bank of Ireland chief Patrick Kennedy, confirmation of this was revealed at the association's EGM on Monday.

It was at that gathering where the FAI Council voted 114-8 in favour of endorsing the Memorandum of Understanding which will enable the restoration of Government funding.

"It's a very positive result on the night," Barrett said afterwards.

"The last number of weeks and months have been difficult enough. There's been a lot of debate and discussion, but we've got through that.

"I'm really happy with the outcome. All of the resolutions were passed overwhelmingly, so it's really good for the organisation." 

When pressed on Kennedy recommending him to recruitment consultants Amrop for the position of Independent Chairman, Barrett said "there was nothing remarkable" about being recommended.

Outlining his position, he added: "I was approached by Amrop, I never talked to Amrop before. I asked them why they approached me and they said a number of people had recommended me, including Patrick Kennedy.

"And so I talked to Amrop and then to Patrick, probably the same day to tell him I was approached. I didn't talk to Patrick about anything to do with the FAI until the last week.

"Is there a conflict of interest? No there's not."

As to the question of optics within an organisation where greater transparency is now expected, Barrett stressed that it's "nonsense" to think that his appointment was anything but transparent.

He continued: "There is nothing remarkable in people recommending somebody to a headhunter. It is completely transparent now. In terms of the appointment it was Amrop who approached me and it was I went who went through the process.

"I've met all the stakeholders and ultimately the nominations committee approved my appointment to the board and I was appointed. Any other assertion in my own view is kind of nonsense." 

On the question of saving an organisation who were running out of money, Mr Barrett revealed that they looked at several options, including examinership.

"In the circumstances this was the best option for an organisation that was very quickly running out of money. If we didn't get the acquiescence of all of the stakeholders we were in deep trouble.

"In fairness to all of the stakeholders and I'd like to acknowledge them - the Government, UEFA, FIFA, Sport Ireland and the Bank of Ireland - in my dealings with all of them it has been very straightforward. They have been very supportive and that support has continued right to today."