Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Listening to the Leader I am reminded of the notion in chaos theory that a butterfly in the Amazonian jungle can change the weather here. It is clear that a single No. 1 vote, cast in 1981, had a fairly profound subsequent effect on Irish politics. We can all make an impact and Gordon Lambert had a huge impact.

I have a passing interest in and enjoy modern art. I believe his contribution in that area to the richness of Irish life of itself would make him somebody to be publicly mourned. It was an imaginative decision by Jack Lynch to appoint somebody like Gordon Lambert in what was a very different Ireland. He is one of a number of distinguished appointees, such as a current appointee, Senator Maurice Hayes, who add a considerable amount to our debates and whose contributions are heeded by the Government.

Gordon Lambert was also a successful businessman. We join with his extended family in regretting his passing and in sympathising with his family. People like him deserve to have their lives celebrated. While we mourn, all those who knew him and who were his friends can say it was a life lived successfully and richly and which left a permanent mark on our country and culture.