Former agriculture minister Joe Walsh passes away

The death of former agriculture minister and long-serving Fianna Fáil ex-TD Joe Walsh has prompted tributes from all sides of the political divide.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny joined Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin in their praise for Mr Walsh, whose near-decade in charge of agriculture is best remembered for his handling of the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease crisis.

The former Cork South West TD died in Cork University Hospital yesterday following an illness, aged 71. He is survived by his wife Marie and five children.