The Taoiseach led the tributes on the death of the former political editor of The Irish Times, Mr Dick Walsh. Expressing his sadness at the news, Mr Ahern said Mr Walsh was a man of strongly-held convictions and independence who was dedicated to the pursuit of his craft
He recalled speaking at a reception to mark Mr Walsh's retirement only a few weeks ago. "It is hard to believe that the man who was for so long at the heart of political life in this country, and whom I have known since I entered Dáil Éireann, is now gone."
The Dáil yesterday marked the death of Mr Walsh with a minute's silence. The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said Mr Walsh had served the public and the Oireachtas 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."
The Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, described Mr Walsh as "arguably the finest political reporter and commentator of his generation", adding: "Dick was a man of fierce independence. He had a fine mind, a profound knowledge of politics, history and literature, and an incisive writing style. That combination of talents made him both feared and respected. "As a reporter, he was punctilious. As a commentator, he was outspoken and direct. He hated humbug and selfishness and he was always willing to champion causes others would ignore."
Mr Rabbitte said his influence on politics and on several generations of politicians was enormous. "From the beginning of the 'Troubles', for instance, he argued passionately for an end to physical force, for respect for different traditions, and for the ideals of a republic based on equality, peace and justice." Throughout his life and career, he put the issue of social justice first and foremost, Mr Rabbitte said.
The former editor of The Irish Times Mr Conor Brady paid tribute to Mr Walsh's contribution to journalism and to the newspaper in particular.
"Dick personified courage, integrity and honesty in journalism. He hated nothing as much as hypocrisy in public life and unfailingly targeted it with his uniquely baleful prose-style. He was also a man of immense personal kindness and gentleness."
For the National Union of Journalists, Ms Mary Maher, cathaoirleach of the union's Irish executive council, expressed sadness at the news of the death of Mr Walsh, saying: "He was a loyal friend and colleague, a source of wisdom and encouragement and a fine journalist of outstanding integrity and commitment."
The Irish secretary of the NUJ, Mr Séamus Dooley, said: "Dick Walsh was a journalist and commentator who wrote with style, elegance and passion. Recently, he had agreed to support the NUJ campaign against the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill and was full of ideas about what should be done to prevent the undermining of the FoI Act. Despite failing health, he had not lost his sense of indignation and outrage, his courage in the face of adversity and his commitment to vindicating the rights of citizens."
On behalf of the NUJ, Mr Jeremy Dear, general-secretary, extended condolences to Mr Walsh's wife, Ruth, and to his two daughters, Francesca and Suzanne. Mr Dear said: "Dick Walsh embodied all that is best in journalism. He was a fearless champion of social justice, a man of rare insight who inspired generations of journalists. He will be missed by all of us in the NUJ, but the greatest loss will be felt by his family, who will miss Dick for his humanity and great humour."
The NUJ statement said in areas of professional policy Dick Walsh had been a valued advisor to the union.
