Government respond feebly to this threat to humans

A RING of steel enveloped Ireland two years ago to halt an infectious animal disease.

The Government and particularly Minister Joe Walsh’s leadership in response to the foot-and-mouth emergency drew international acclaim and was used as a model by neighbours to help contain the disease.

All the stops were pulled out to safeguard both the agriculture industry and the Irish economy, including emergency legislation which provided stringent new powers to department officials.