Three Fianna Fail Senators have thrown in the towel with the parliamentary party as the Government breaks up for a three-month summer recess. Their objections to elements of the Civil Partnership Bill, and subsequent resignations, means that the number of Fianna Fail TDs and Senators outside of the party has now increased to ten.
We all know John Hanafin is the brother of Mary Hanafin and Labhras O Murchu has the whackiest name in Irish politics, but who the heck is Jim Walsh and why is he making headlines?
Name: Jim Walsh
Age: 62
Position: Member of Seanad Eireann
Why is he in the news?: Jim is one of three Fianna Fail Senators to resign the party whip because he feels the Civil Partnership Bill is flawed and discriminatory. Jim and his friends sought the introduction of a so-called “freedom of conscience” clause to allow people, such as registrars, to opt out of facilitating same-sex marriages.
He doesn’t look that old…: Well he is. He was born in 1947 and he’s married to Marie Furlong. They have three children, one son and two daughters. He lives in New Ross, Wexford.
So has he done anything special in politics?: In 2008, Walsh put forward a party motion to counter the proposed same-sex Civil Partnership Bill. The motion was referred to the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party’s justice committee on 1 July 2008. Walsh has repeatedly called for a freedom of conscience amendment to the legislation which would by-pass equality legislation, allowing people a religious exemption in providing goods and services to gay couples.
What did he do before he got into politics?: He is a former president of the Irish Road Hauliers’ Association. He is also a farmer and a company director.
What they say: “He claimed that women working outside the home are a main factor in this… This is 2009 and yet the senator seems to disregard the Women’s Rights Movement,†Christina Murphy, a supporter of LGBT Noise, a group campaigning for gay marriage in Ireland. Walsh had numerous “misconceptions” about the gay and lesbian community according to Ms Murphy.
Team supported: Jim is a huge Manchester United fan and follows Wexford hurling and football.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
