It is appropriate that the House note the passing of Mr. Dick Walsh, the esteemed journalist who served the public and this House over many years in his work at The Irish Times. He used the corridors of this House for many years, made contact with a great number of politicians and members of the public and could always be relied upon to report the truth as he saw it. I regret his untimely passing and think it appropriate that the House should note the extent and range of his public service in his duty as an objective journalist.
Death of Journalist: Expressions of Sympathy.
I join with Deputy Kenny in his remarks. It is only a few short weeks since I spoke at a reception to mark Dick Walsh's retirement. It is hard to believe that a man who was for so long at the heart of Irish political life has passed from us. I extend my sympathy to his wife, Ruth, and his two daughters, Francesca and Suzanne. There is no doubt that Mr. Walsh was a man of independent mind and deep convictions, dedicated in the pursuit of his craft and with strongly held views about Irish journalism. He had the opportunity to talk just a few weeks ago about how journalism and the media should develop in Ireland, a subject on which he had strong views. I extend my sympathy to his wife and children.
It is appropriate that the House should mark the passing of arguably the finest political reporter and commentator of his generation. Dick Walsh was a punctilious reporter and an outspoken and forthright commentator. He bore his disability with great courage and good grace. His only complaint was to empathise with others with disability. Many endured his lash as a critic and columnist but he was never less than straightforward and honest, and a man of fierce independence.
He had a profound impact on politics and politicians over a generation. Mr. Walsh took an independent and courageous position in commentating on Irish politics since the Troubles, showing fierce resistance to the use of force in politics and defending pluralist principles and those of equality, peace and justice. It is appropriate that the House should mark his passing. I want to be associated with the remarks of genuine sympathy to Ruth and his children.
There is a genuine sense of loss and the feeling of the passing of an era in hearing of the death of Dick Walsh. In many ways, the quality and consistency of his writing was a yardstick by which many others measured their views, whether in journalism or politics. It is doubly tragic that not only has Irish society lost somebody of the calibre of Mr. Walsh but also that he died so young and so soon after his retirement.
It is frequently said how rigorous is a life in politics, but the death of Dick Walsh, who was so dedicated to his profession, is a reminder to all of us that the life of a journalist can be difficult and demanding also. On behalf of the Green Party, An Comhaontas Glas, I express sympathy to his wife and family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
I join my colleagues in the House in expressing sympathy to the wife and family of the late Dick Walsh. I extend that sympathy to his colleagues in the journalistic profession, particularly his former colleagues at The Irish Times.
The Deputies on the benches beside me wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the family of Dick Walsh upon his early and mourned death.
Members rose.