The chief executive of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has been sacked for alleged gross misconduct, it was revealed tonight.
Mr Michael Guest was given his marching orders by the RUAS following a meeting of the society's council last Friday, said a spokesman.
A brief statement from the society said: "The RUAS today confirmed that Michael Guest was no longer employed as Chief Executive of the Society."
While the society would add nothing more, its solicitors said the dismissal was for what they described as "gross misconduct".
The decision was not taken because of any illegality or financial mismanagement, the solicitors said.
More than 60 members of the 74-strong RUAS council attended the meeting which decided to dismiss Mr Guest.
He took up the post of chief executive designate in March 2003 and worked with the then chief executive Bill Yarr on that year's Balmoral Show at the Kings Hall.
When Mr Yarr retired at end end of June 2003 after 25 years service Mr Guest became chief executive.
Mr Guest has held a range of previous positions including senior development officer at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and business development executive at the former small business development organisation LEDU.