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TRIBUTES ARE BEING paid to former Fianna Fáil minister Joe Walsh, who has died at the age of 71.
Walsh, who ran a dairy company before becoming a politician, was first elected to the Dáil in 1977.
He served as Agriculture Minister in two Fianna Fáil-led governments, from 1994 to 94, and again between 1997 and 2004.
The Cork man won widespread praise for his handling of the Foot & Mouth crisis in 2001, when he oversaw a series of strict control measures to ensure Ireland’s exposure to the disease was limited.
“I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Joe’s wife, Marie, to his family and to the Fianna Fáil party,” Taoiseach Enda Kenny said in a statement.
“I knew Joe well throughout his career in the Oireachtas. He was a dedicated representative of the people of Cork South West and a hard-working and committed Minister.
He will be remembered in particular for his decisive and successful management of the foot and mouth crisis of 2001. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said Walsh’s death came “as a shock to me and his many friends and admirers across the country”.
Joe was Ireland’s key negotiator during the 1992 and 2003 CAP reforms, he established Bord Bia and facilitated a transformation in the marketing and export strategy for Ireland’s food industry.
“Indeed, his brilliant leadership in responding the Foot and Mouth Disease crisis was instrumental in mitigating a disaster that had the potential to wipe out a way of life.
“Joe’s leadership during the Foot and Mouth crisis was recognised internationally, with the French Government honouring him with the Legion d’Honneur and the King of Spain presenting him with the Grand Cross of the Agricultural Order of Merit for his service to agriculture.”
Funeral details are yet to be confirmed.
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RIP Joe, a pleasure knowing u
Indeed he was brilliant during the Foot and Mouth Crisis.
RIP Joe
He did a great job during the foot and mouth crisis. We need more competent and people like him in government. RIP and condolences to his wife and family.
R.I.P. to Joe Walsh and condolences to his family.
This country currently needs someone like him to keep Ebola out of the country.
Terrible News – fine Minister did a fine job.
R.i.p.Joe. Condolence to His Family & to Joan & Family
Remember the work he did to keep Foot and Mouth out of the country, even when it had hit our neighbours in the North. Britain, on the other hand, completely made a mess of things, as Blair underestimated the importance of Agriculture in not only his own country, but the rest of the world(the British economy took a major bashing during that time, as countries were wary of travelling, or doing business with England.) . Ireland, under Joe Walsh’s guidance, showed just how incompetent Blair was at the time.
He had his missteps, most certainly, and some would criticise how he handled certain situations or dealings, but I won’t dwell on those things. He did a lot of good, and was there when the country needed him most. Folks won’t forget how much of a danger Foot and Mouth was, and how careful people were even going down the road to their neighbours.
My condolences to Walsh’s family and friends.
Wow what a great man an impeccable level of standards through the foot and mouth crisis.
You did your country proud
Rest in peace.
R.I.P. Joe Walsh.
Truly saddened at the news of Joe Walsh’s passing. Many fond memories of meeting him and his kindness and words of advice at difficult times. Joe was a proud west cork man and a dedicate public servant I am truly saddened at learning of his death.
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