EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-8) and related Prospectuses pertaining to the 1988 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan and the 1989 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. of our report dated January 29, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and subsidiaries included in its Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 25, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and of our report dated January 29, 2003 with respect to the schedule of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and subsidiaries included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP |
Ernst & Young LLP |
Chicago, Illinois
November 7, 2003