Tributes paid to journalist and economist Colm Rapple

[Shell to Sea]  Colm Rapple was outspoken on the great gas & oil giveaway and wrote widely on the subject (http://colmrapple.com/?cat=7) and also spoke at a People's Forum in 2011 (http://www.shelltosea.com/content/peoples-forum-ten-years-corrib-gas-gre...).  Rest in Peace

JOURNALIST, ECONOMIST AND author, Colm Rapple has died after a short illness in hospital.

Tributes have been paid to the journalist, who wrote for publications such as the Irish Press Group and Independent Newspapers.

A statement from the National Union of Journalists today extends sympathy to the family of Colm Rapple.

Seamus Dooley, Irish Secretary, NUJ said:

“Colm  was an outstanding journalist, a champion of the consumer who made financial journalism accessible and relevant.”

He was imbued with a sense of justice and fairness. That commitment was reflected in his work for this union, both in Independent Newspapers and the Irish Press. He was a passionate believer in the right to freedom of expression and in independent journalism, free from corporate influence.

Tanaiste Joan Burton said she was saddened to hear the news today.

My thoughts first and foremost are with his wife Nuala and their children Simone and Rory.

 

As a journalist, Colm was without peer when it came to cutting through the jargon and explaining complex issues in a very accessible manner.

His particular gift was presenting economics and finance in a way that just about anybody could understand.

My sympathies are with his friends, family and former colleagues.

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams also extended his sympathy to the Rapple family, stating:

Colm always advocated a progressive and fair economic approach and was consistent in pointing to what was in the best interests of Irish citizens, especially ordinary families.I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Colm’s wife Nuala, his children Simone and Rory and to all his family and friends at this sad time.