The former chief executive officer last month made public the fact that she would not renew her contract.

Ms Davis was to have continued in the position she held for five years, until the contract expired in April, but said that there was little advantage for the TFGA in her returning for a few weeks after the annual leave she was enjoying at the moment.

Applications for the position have closed, interviews have begun and it is understood that the name of the successful applicant will be announced by mid-March.

■ Read more this weekend about Jan Davis's decision to leave the TFGA in The Sunday Examiner.