An electronic book of condolences for the former Taoiseach, Mr Jack Lynch, has been opened on the Department of the Taoiseach website. The book can be accessed at www.irlgov.ie/taoiseach/jacklynch. Other books of condolences have been opened at Government Buildings in Dublin and at Cork City Hall. Both will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Mary Freehill, has opened a book of condolences at the Mansion House in Dawson Street. It will remain open from noon until 8 p.m. today and from 9.30 a.m. until 6 p.m. tomorrow. Ms Freehill said Mr Lynch's contribution to Irish life as "sportsman, politician, minister and Taoiseach played a unique role in the development of our State. Both at home and abroad, his statesman-like qualities were always apparent. He was a thorough gentleman."
The National Youth Council of Ireland paid tribute to Mr Lynch for his support in helping to establish the organisation in 1967 and for his promotion of youth participation in society. The council's director, Mr Peter Byrne, said that in 1967 the idea of having an organisation to represent the youth of Ireland was radical, and Mr Lynch's backing was vital.
Senator Mairin Quill of the Progressive Democrats described the former Taoiseach as representing all that was best in Irish politics. Ms Quill, a member of the Fianna Fail Cork organisation until she joined the PDs, said "he was there to serve his country".
"He sowed the seeds for further growth in the unification of minds and hearts of all Irish people. His forward thinking took Ireland into what is now the European Union. His courage and determination helped preserve this State when sinister forces threatened to destroy the very fabric of Irish democracy in the early 1970s."
