Today 20 October marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Jack Lynch, “the Real Taoiseach”. His particular role in preserving democratic government in response to the 1969 Arms Crisis is worthy of further study & recognition. After the general election of 1973 T.K.Whitaker, his 
trusted confidante, sent him a personal note: “You can look back on your seven years as taoiseach as a period not only of great material and social progress but also of rational evolution of Irish activities, particularly towards the problem of Northern Ireland”. A good Irishman.
He was recognized for this even by opposing politicians.
In December 1967 Lynch travelled to Stormont for his first meeting with the Prime Minister Terence O'Neill, in the hope of forming constructive links. On 8 January 1968 they met again in Dublin. However, the situation was
In December 1967 Lynch travelled to Stormont for his first meeting with the Prime Minister Terence O'Neill, in the hope of forming constructive links. On 8 January 1968 they met again in Dublin. However, the situation was
already beginning to deteriorate in Northern Ireland with civil unrest and the resignation of O'Neill to come. O'Neill continued to hold Lynch in high regard stating in the House of Lords in 1972:
“I do not believe one could have a better Taoiseach than Mr. Lynch. It is not for
“I do not believe one could have a better Taoiseach than Mr. Lynch. It is not for
nothing that he is known in the South as "Honest Jack". I do not know many other politicians who have that little prefix put in front of their names.”
The people of Cork applauded his hearse as it drove by en route to St. Finbarr’s Cemetery.
The people of Cork applauded his hearse as it drove by en route to St. Finbarr’s Cemetery.
