Dan Wallace, former Fianna Fáil TD and Cork lord mayor, dies aged 82

Olivia Kelleher

Former Fianna Fáil TD Dan Wallace has died aged 82.

Mr Wallace represented Cork North-Central in the Dáil for more than 25 years and was a junior minister in governments led by Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern.

The former lord mayor of Cork and father-of-five, who lived in Montenotte in the city, was a customs clerk with Ford before he entered politics. He retired in 2007.

Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said Mr Wallace was a "tireless advocate" for the people of the north side of Cork city.

"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," Mr Martin said in statement.

"He was not just a valued colleague but a cherished friend. He personified the decency, good nature and fighting spirit of the north side of Cork."

Billy Kelleher, a Fianna Fáil MEP and former Cork North Central TD, said Mr Wallace was "one of the true gentlemen of Irish politics."

"I am very proud of the fact that not only did I serve alongside Dan Wallace in Cork North Central but that I got to call him a friend," he said.

"He was incredibly generous with his time not just for colleagues and constituents but also for people from other political parties."

"Dan was an incredibly hard working politician and dedicated his life to trying to make a better society for people in Cork North Central."

Councillor Dan Boyle, the Lord Mayor of Cork, also spoke of his “great sadness” at the death of Mr Wallace.

“Danny served as a Councillor on the then Cork Corporation from 1979-1992 and was elected Lord Mayor in 1985.

“Danny was instrumental in the development of our sister city relationship with San Francisco; a relationship that has flourished for over 40 years. My condolences to Danny’s wife Ethel, his children Damien, Fiona, Kieran, Nicola and Andrea,” he said.

Valerie O’Sullivan, chief executive of Cork City Council, said Mr Wallace was a “proud son of the North Mon and Cork city.”

“Danny was a positive advocate for the city, both in his time as a city councillor, as a Cork North Central TD and Minister of State. My personal condolences to Danny’s family.”

A book of condolences will open in City Hall in Cork on Tuesday. Mr Wallace was elected to the then Cork Corporation in 1979.

His son, Damien, followed in his footsteps and became a member of Cork City Council serving as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1999.