TRIBUTES, led by the Taoiseach, were paid to a former Fianna Fail TD, Cork Lord Mayor and Minister of State who passed away today.
Dan Wallace, 82, who has died after a short illness, served as a Cork North Central TD for 25 years before retiring in 2007.
The father-of-five was Minister of State at the Department of the Environment twice after serving as Lord Mayor of Cork between 1985 and 1986.
Mr Wallace was successfully re-elected in every general election since 1979, when he was first elected by Fianna Fail in local elections.
His retirement came in 2007 after serving 25 years in Leinster House.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin led tributes and said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr Wallace’s death.
The Fianna Fail leader said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and former colleague, Dan Wallace.
“Dan was a dedicated public servant who gave almost 25 years of his life to representing the people of Cork North Central in Dáil Éireann.
“First elected in 1982, he was successfully re-elected in every general election until his retirement in 2007 – a testament to the deep trust and respect he earned from his community.
“Throughout his career, Dan was a tireless advocate for the people of the north side of Cork city.
“His passion for serving his people was unwavering, and he fought relentlessly to improve their lives.”
Martin added: “On a personal level, I will miss Dan greatly. As a young student, during the three general elections of the 1981-1982 period, I canvassed with Dan throughout Farranree, Gurranabraher and Blackpool.
‘NUTS AND BOLTS’
“I remember well the mixed grills that Ethel had ready for us when canvassing ended. I learned so much about the nuts and bolts of electoral politics from those days and from Dan.
“Since becoming leader, he encouraged me greatly and would text me advice on a regular basis. He knew my late father Paddy well as they both lived in Farranree.
“Beyond his many political achievements, those of us who had the privilege to work alongside him will always remember his quick wit, his warmth, and the great sense of humour that made him such a pleasure to serve with. He was not just a valued colleague but a cherished friend.”
Colleagues and friends have remembered him as being “one of life’s gentlemen” and a “highly regarded politician.”
‘SAD DAY’
One said: “A sad day for Cork and the history of the city, especially the Northside. He was of his era an era of a great generation who are now sadly aging or passing.
“I will always remember the days when I was young and a name always mentioned in the home was Danny Wallace. We will never see the likes of their generation again.”
Another one wrote: “Condolences to the Wallace family on the death of Danny. One of life’s gentlemen and a highly regarded politician. May he rest in peace.”
A third one added: “Such a lovely man. A proud Corkman, he was always true to his roots and beliefs.
FUNERAL DETAILS
“His contribution to the people of Cork will be long remembered. He is a real example of a life well lived.”
The former Fianna Fail TD died “peacefully in the tender care of the staff of the staff of St. Mary’s Ward at Mercy University Hospital”, an obituary notice read.
Mr Wallace is survived by his heartbroken wife Ethel (nee Sutton), family, and his daughters Fiona (O’Neill), Damian, Kieran, Nicola (Foley) and Andrea (Fitzgerald).
His obituary noticed added: “Sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, family, daughters-in-law Grace and Tracy, sons-in-law Roy, Shane and Kieran, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.”
Mr Wallace’s funeral arrangement details will be released at a later stage.
