Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

The modern democratic aspect of heraldry relates to the emblems of civic organisations, clubs, societies etc. That has its importance. Senator Ryan gave an interesting history going back to the middle ages. He missed out the great scandal of the early 20th century, which was the involvement of the Ulster King of Arms, Arthur Vicars, in the disappearance of the Irish crown jewels. Subsequently, he was killed in 1922 but he was disgraced long before that. My great uncle who died in 1906 had a fascination with heraldry and was a friend of Sir Arthur Vicars. Several of his books on heraldry are in my house in County Tipperary

Although I have a coat of arms and a motto, I do not actively use either of them. My motto is "Toujours prêt". My wife snorts occasionally at it. One can translate it as, "Always flexible".