Joe Walsh (Irish politician) facts for kids

Joseph Walsh (1 May 1943 – 9 November 2014) was an Irish politician. He was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party. He served as a government minister, looking after farming and food, from 1992 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2004.

He was also a Teachta Dála (TD), which is like a member of parliament in Ireland. He represented the Cork South-West area from 1977 to 1981 and from 1982 to 2007. Before that, he was a Senator from 1981 to 1982.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Walsh was born in May 1943 in a place called Ballineen in County Cork, Ireland. He went to St Finbarr's College in Cork. Later, he studied at University College Cork. In 1970, he earned a degree in Dairy Science.

While at university, he became interested in politics. He even helped start the first student group for the Fianna Fáil party there. After finishing his studies, he worked as a researcher at a dairy research centre. He then became a managing director at a dairy company in Clonakilty, County Cork.

His Political Journey

Joe Walsh started his political career in 1974. He was elected as a member of Cork County Council, which is a local government body. He stayed on the council until 1991.

In 1977, he was elected to Dáil Éireann for the first time. This is the main parliament in Ireland. He represented the Cork South-West area. He lost his seat in 1981 but was then elected as a Senator. He returned to the Dáil in 1982 and kept his seat in every election until he retired in 2007.

In the 1980s, Joe Walsh was part of a group of politicians who disagreed with the leader of their party, Charles Haughey. Even so, when Haughey became Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister) in 1987, Walsh was made a junior minister in the Department of Agriculture and Food.

In 1989, he played an important role in talks that led to a new government. This government was a "coalition," meaning two parties, Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats, worked together.

Becoming a Minister

Joe Walsh became a full government minister in 1992 when Albert Reynolds became Taoiseach. He was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Food. He held this important job until 1994.

When Fianna Fáil returned to power in 1997, Bertie Ahern became Taoiseach. Joe Walsh was again chosen to be the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

Facing Challenges

In 2001, Ireland faced a big challenge with a disease called foot-and-mouth disease. This disease affects animals. As Minister, Joe Walsh put in place strong rules to stop it from spreading. This included stopping animals from moving around and even postponing sports events like football games. His actions helped prevent a major outbreak in Ireland.

Joe Walsh received several special awards for his work. These included the Légion d'honneur from France and the Grand Cross of the Agricultural Order of Merit from Spain. On 13 August 2004, he announced that he would retire from his role as a minister. He had spent 14 years working in the Department of Agriculture.

Later Years and Passing

After retiring from politics, Joe Walsh served on the board of Bank of Ireland.

He passed away on 9 November 2014, at Cork University Hospital, after a short illness.