A "friend, foe, supporter, critic and adversary" with a "humanity" that more than made up for his "aggressive and no-nonsense approach" - that was how the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, paid tribute to Joey Murrin yesterday at the opening of Fish Ireland 2000 in Killybegs, Co Donegal.

The retiring chief executive of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation had been the enfant terrible of many governments and ministers, and he had even given his name to a particular political strategy, the Minister said.

Developed by a former fisheries minister, the late Brian Lenihan, it involved wearing out critics until they developed such a thirst that they had to adjourn to a licensed premises. It became known as the "Joey Murrin approach", the Minister said.

Mr Martin Howley, chairman of the fishermen's organisation, described Mr Murrin's announcement as "the end of an era". Though he had many involvements, Mr Murrin had always worked for the benefit of his own members.

This year's Fish Ireland exhibition is the largest to date, with 87 exhibitors from nine different countries spread over 4,500 square metres.

Eircell used the occasion to extend the land boundaries of Ireland in one sweep. Over the coming months, development of the 087 network will ensure coverage up to a distance of 70 kilometres from the shoreline - double the previous maximum - in a £1 million investment plan.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) also unveiled its new sea safety roadshow. Fish Ireland 2000 runs until tomorrow evening.