Downey leads tributes on death of joe walsh

IFA national president Eddie Downey has expressed sadness at the news that former Minister for Agriculture and Food Joe Walsh has died.

The Slane farmer said Joe Walsh had a strong understanding of Irish agriculture and as Minister represented Ireland in the key 1992 MacSharry CAP reform, the Agenda 2000 Reform and the 2003 Fischler Reform.

In 2001, Joe Walsh also led the national response to the food and mouth outbreak and his love of the sport horse and racing sectors was reflected in his commitment to the industry.

He was also deeply committed to the development of the Irish food industry and was responsible for the establishment of Bord Bia.

“He saw the value of promoting not only Irish coops and agri-business but also strongly encouraged artisan producers at farm level,' Mr Downey stated.

He expressed his sympathies to Joe’s wife, Marie, and his family.

ICSA president Patrick Kent has also paid tribute to the late Mr Walsh.

“While many will point to his success in preventing the spread of foot and mouth disease in 2001 as his finest hour, it is arguable that his decision to introduce full decoupling will have the longest legacy,” said Mr. Kent.

“He played a central role in the 2003 CAP reform process under EU Commissioner Franz Fischler and followed up the agreement by choosing the full decoupling option for Ireland in line with the ICSA viewpoint.  This decision was brave given that many were opposed to it, but in the fullness of time most came to realise that it was the correct one.”

 “On behalf of ICSA, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife and family.”