Published: Thursday, 6th May, 2010 10:00am

Farewell to the "Minister for Everything"

One of the most fitting descriptions of the late Gerry Ryan was uttered on 2fm last Saturday, when someone - blessed with the eloquence which often hits people at times of bereavement - called him "the Minister for Everything".

For so long, RTÉ has been very lucky to have at its disposal two such extra-governmental "ministers", Gerry Ryan being one, and Joe Duffy being the other. Unfortunately, on Friday of last week, the former drew his last breath, bring to an end that institution which has become known simply as "The Ryan Line".

Think what you like about Gerry and his opinions; sometimes vulgar and bombastic, he could infuriate people as much as he could endear himself to them. But there is no disputing the fact that our state broadcaster has lost its most prized asset, and at a time when it struggles desperately to add to the talent which emerged during the 1970s and the 1980s, that golden era of Irish television.

Gerry truly was "the Minister for Everything". Where local councillors, TDs and indeed Ministers have failed, "The G. Ryan Show" and "Liveline" have for years been sanctuaries for Joe and Jane Public - fountains at which they would drink to restore their faith in the nation, at times when politicians and pencil-pushers might have been too busy to address their concerns. No matter how small or insignificant these concerns might seem to some people, the "Ryan Line" was always open to them.

Of course, Gerry enjoyed a star-studded television career (the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, 'School Around the Corner', 'Ryan Confidential' and 'Operation Transformation' being among his most successful gigs), but it is for his contribution to radio that he will be most remembered.

Who can forget in 1993, when rape victim Lavinia Kerwick rang the Gerry Ryan Show to air her feelings about her tragic experiences. Although he was never afraid to talk at length about his own views, during the course of that particular phone call, and many more after that, Gerry Ryan demonstrated his extraordinary abilities as a listener. Despite his radio slot being named "The Gerry Ryan Show", he never flinched from taking a back seat, and allowing members of the public to rule the roost, and get matters off their chests.

Gerry Ryan was a man who gave life to all the clichés: he surged forth, he strode forward, he boldly went where no Irish broadcaster had gone before.

He was outrageous, he was provocative, he was flamboyant, he was full of fun, full of devilment, full of charm, occasionally irreverent; but he was also sympathetic, understanding and caring.

It's a tribute to him that despite the shuffling merry-go-round of shows and presenters on 2fm, RTÉ never once considered moving the Gerry Ryan Show from its 9am to 12 noon weekday slot, during which time half the country was inevitably tuned in to the radio.

One wonders what RTÉ will do now to keep the public interested in that three hours. Will they give the slot to some other experienced personality? Will it go to a new face, or will they hunt abroad for someone as forthright as the show's late presenter? One thing is certain, they will find it incredibly difficult to fill the boots of a man who was, in many respects, bigger than RTÉ itself.

What of the content of the programme? What of 'Nob Nation', that daily dose of hilarious mimicry and cutting satire we have all come to love? In the days and weeks ahead, these tough decisions will have to be faced by an RTÉ completely devastated by the loss of Gerry Ryan.

The next few days will be even tougher, when our national broadcaster, as well as the entire country, comes to terms with the fact that the Ryan Line is no longer open - or at least, never again as it was.