Ahern warm in praise of Minister

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern, a 1977 Dáil beginner like Joe Walsh, confirmed that he had known of the Agriculture Minister’s retirement decision since last Christmas, and said he wanted to thank and salute Walsh, his wife Marie and their family for the years of valuable public service that Joe has given to the country and to the rural community in particular.

Mr Ahern said his tenure as a Minister in one department, Agriculture and Food, was unique in modern Irish politics.

“While others regularly predicted the demise of rural Ireland, he remained steadfast in his optimism and in his practical commitment.”

He said Walsh’s successful Agenda 2000 negotiation, the CAP Mid Term Review last year and his decision to introduce full decoupling of support payments to farmers left a firm foundation for the future.

He said the Foot and Mouth crisis was the Minister’s finest hour, when the consequences of failure would have been devastating not only for farmers but for the whole economy.

“He has been a wise counsel in Government and in the Fianna Fáil party. I know that he will continue to serve the people of Clonakilty and of Cork South West during the years ahead”, said the Taoiseach.