Agriculture Minister moves on to pastures new

AFTER what he described as a “great innings”, Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh yesterday announced he had informed Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that he intends to retire when the Dáil resumes on September 29.

Mr Walsh said his decision will facilitate the appointment of a new minister to take on the crucial role of guiding the agriculture and agri-food sector through a new era.

A long-serving TD for Cork South West, the 61-year-old also announced he is to retire from the Dáil at the next general election.