GALLOWAY PAYS TRIBUTE TO REDMOND O’NEILL
Following today’s terrible news of the tragic death of Redmond o’Neill, George Galloway issued the following brief tribute to a comrade who will be sorely missed:
The tragically untimely death of Redmond O’Neill is an enormous loss to all who struggle for peace and justice everywhere and to those of us in London especially.
As senior advisor to Ken Livingstone, Redmond played a crucial role in developing policies which are sorely missed and which the current mayor has ripped up.
He developed the links between London and Caracas, which swapped cheap fuel for transport expertise and provided practical means of bringing the deep social changes in Venezuela to a wider audience in Britain.
For at the heart of what Redmond’s politics was not simply achieving what change was possible in the domestic political structure, but challenging injustice and the abuse of power wherever it occurred in the world. It was a commitment that he stuck with through good times and bad.
When so many of his generation were happy to bend to Tony Blair’s reheated liberal imperialism and its concomitant, virulent Islamophobia, Redmond was one of those who saw his duty to stand as a comrade with nations under great power bombardment and people under the lash of bigotry and racism. He was unshakable.
At times it might have been expedient to abandon those principles and to accommodate to the press barons who tried to red-bait Ken’s administration, and his advisors in particular, or to buy in to the journalistic commonplaces in so much of the liberal media. Redmond refused to do so, and therefore gained the undying respect of those Muslim and ethnic minority communities who were under fire. They and we will miss him terribly - all the more as new tides of social division and scapegoating lap around us in London and across the country.
My deepest condolences and respects to Kate, Redmond’s family, friends and comrades.
George Galloway MP
[CONTENT DELETED]
Comment by Paul Ross — 23 October, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
Whoever Paul Ross maybe, he displays a purtid bitterness about his own petty ‘hurt feelings’ in the wake of the tragic news of Redmond O’Neill untimely death. There were many issues over which I would have had differences with Redmond in the past 30 years, but the fact is he was a socilaist militant who stuggled against capitalism and imperialism throughout his life. He will be remembered fondly by all of us who had the privelage to know him, and amongst those of us who shared the international struggle for a socialist future with him. Farewell dear comrade. No Pasaran!
Comment by Vincent Doherty (Dublin) — 23 October, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
Whoever Paul Ross maybe, he displays a purtid bitterness about his own petty ‘hurt feelings’ in the wake of the tragic news of Redmond O’Neill untimely death. There were many issues over which I would have had differences with Redmond in the past 30 years, but the fact is he was a socialaist militant who stuggled against capitalism and imperialism throughout his life. He will be remembered fondly by all of us who had the privelage to know him, and amongst those of us who shared the international struggle for a socialist future with him. Farewell dear comrade. No Pasaran!
Comment by Vincent Doherty (Dublin) — 23 October, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Sad to hear of the death of anyone who spent so many years in the socialist movement.
(Is that the same Vincent Doherty who was an activist in People’s Democracy and stood as an anti-H Block candidate in 1981?)
Comment by Irish Mark P — 23 October, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
I crossed paths with Redmond O’Neil on a few occasions over the years and hardly ever agreed with him about anything. Nevertheless, I’m genuinely shocked at his untimely death and offer my commiserations to his friends, relatives and comrades.
Comment by prianikoff — 23 October, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
If you google Redmond O’Neill as I did yesterday, you will find two things.
First, an indefatigable fighter for justice for all the world’s oppressed. The range and breadth of his activity included a defence against annihilation in Palestine, as well as solidarity with the unfolding social transformation in Venezuela, the ending of Apartheid as well as the defence and celebration of the diverse communities in London. In fact, everywhere where a portion of humanity struggled for a better world.
Second, there are the scurillous jibes and slanders of the right-wing media and their echoes, although “all this he brushed aside as though it were a cobweb”.
Redmond O’Neill carried a flame for a better world, and in those of us privileged to work him however fleetingly, a little of him lives on, the best part of us.
Comment by Anonymous — 23 October, 2009 @ 5:37 pm
I am like other commenters shocked by this news of a life cut short.
That said, there’s a little too much de mortuis nil nisi bonum in cde Galloway’s post and some comments here.
Redmond was a fighter for his idea of socialism who stayed on the left when many of similar backgrounds went to the right. For that he is much to be admired and his loss regretted.
[CONTENT DELETED]
Comment by Mike Macnair — 23 October, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
This isn’t the time or place for petty swipes, so I’ll ignore the pointless and sectarian sideswipes.
I never saw Redmond very much in recent years, but I am aware of the vast contribution he made to the GLA-Venezuela oil deal which in terms of the assistance given on technology to the Venezuelan Revolution was no small thing. Untiul I heard from him on what was involved which was not just cheap oil for London buses, I didn’t realise how integrated it was into the struggle in Latin America.
Many on these columns make great claims and do little. When they have done just a little of what Redmond managed in terms of a real contribution, then perhaps I would start to take them seriously.
Till then, I can only mourn Redmond’s passing.
Comment by Howard T — 23 October, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
October 23rd 09
Adams expresses sadness at death of Redmond O Neill
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams today expressed his ‘deep sense of shock and sadness at the death of Redmond O Neill’.
Mr. Adams extended his ‘sincere condolences to the family and friends of Redmond who died on Wednesday afternoon during surgery, following a long and valiant battle against cancer’.
Mr. Adams said:
` Le bás Redmond tá laoch ar son saoirse na hÉireann caillte againne agus is fíor bhrón e sin.
It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that I learned of the death of Redmond .
I want to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to Redmond’s partner Kate, his sisters Fidelma, Ann and Tara and all the very close friends and comrades who loved and respected him.
I met Redmond many times during my visits to London . He was a very dedicated and energetic supporter of Irish reunification, of the peace process and of justice and equality campaigns.
During Sinn Féin’s recent discussions around initiating a focussed campaign on Irish reunification Redmond played a very helpful role. Right up until the day before his death, he was advising and contributing to the discussion and bringing to it wealth of energy, talent.
His suggestions were insightful and have helped shape the approach Sinn Féin will be taking, and the structure and content of the conference that is planned for London next February.
As an Irishman, born in Britain , Redmond ’s vigour and enthusiasm for promoting many progressive campaigns and initiatives was respected and infectious.
Most recently, in his role as policy director to Ken Livingstone when he was Mayor, Redmond championed the promotion of London ’s St Patrick’s Parade and Festival which made it one of the largest celebrations of Irish heritage anywhere in the world.
His key role in this and many other endeavours, in supporting justice and freedom in Ireland and in other parts of the world, were widely known and underline why his loss will be so greatly felt.
Redmond was a kind, generous, and courageous comrade. These qualities are reflected in how well liked and loved he was by those who he met in both his political and personal life.
He will be remembered by all those who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time and we also remember, in happiness, his positive and exceptional contribution.’
Is measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam dílís. ’
Comment by for info — 23 October, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Salma Yaqoob posted her thoughts about Redmond’s death on the VSC list:
‘I am deeply saddened to hear about Redmond’s passing away. Although he had been ill, it still came as a shock. It is a testament to his life, however, that so many of us feel it as a personal blow. His unwavering commitment to justice gave many, many people, including myself, hope - not just on the issue of Venezuela, but on a whole range of issues. He embodied the meaning of solidarity.
My sympathies and condolences go out to all his loved ones, family and friends. Please take some solace that his contribution has touched the
lives of thousands of people, and in so doing, his humanity still lives on…’
Comment by Ger Francis — 23 October, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
So a highly controversial figure on the left dies, and all critical comments about him are banned by Andy because “they do not reflect our editorial policy”. All we are allowed to read are paeans of praise to the dear departed leader. It’s rather reminiscent of North Korea.
Comment by Anon — 24 October, 2009 @ 3:55 am
#11 Someone has passed away. This is neither the time nor the place for such stupidity.
Comment by Fossil — 24 October, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
How old was Redmond O’Neill, does anybody know?
Comment by Red Maria — 24 October, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
i think an editorial policy that does not give a platform for poison, personal attacks etc is good, especially on a site that calls itself socialist unity….i wish all correspondents could understand this basic concept- and abide by it- no struggle for progress can build on anything less
Comment by sylvia ebberly — 25 October, 2009 @ 7:25 am
Red Maria - #13 I think Redmond was about 55.
#11 - if you had so much to say about Redmond, why didn’t you say it while he was alive? If you made a special contribution on Venenzuela, GLA, Left of Labour Party, Ireland - why the cloak of anonimity? Why haven’t we heard about it?
George Galloway, Gerry Adams and Salma Yacoob and Ken Livingstone are all people who have advanced the struggle in their own way.
To be recognised for your contribution by four such giants is testimony enough.
Comment by Stuart Graham — 25 October, 2009 @ 7:49 am
I didn’t know him long, but when I think of Redmond, I think of a tireless man literally bristling with energy and ideas. Always thinking, always calculating, and whilst maintaining a realistic assessment of where we stood, he inspired confidence and enthusiasm for the future and for humanity to advance.
It was he who convinced me to consider all campaigns and actions as part of an international struggle for socialism and against imperialism.
He will be a true loss for the movement. I know no-one whose judgment was so trusted and so respected, that at so many moments it was his advice that so many people from different campaigns and different movements would seek out.
He is irreplaceable, and for many of us, it is with immense sadness that we must continue the struggle without him.
Comment by Ben — 25 October, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
[CONTENT DELETED]
Comment by Mark Osborn — 25 October, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
[CONTENT DELETED]
Comment by Mark Osborn — 25 October, 2009 @ 10:32 pm
Regarding Redmond O’Neill:
Given the sensitivity of the matter - he leaves behind people who loved him, people who admired him, people who supported him in his politics - then I can understand why my comments were censored, not that I agree with that.
But:
“Galloway, Gerry Adams and Salma Yacoob and Ken Livingstone are all people who have advanced the struggle in their own way.
To be recognised for your contribution by four such giants is testimony enough.”
Sorry, not ‘giants’, and in a funny way, not ‘testimony enough’.
It is not inappropriate to mention his major involvement in the curious thing called ‘Socialist Action’ (called so by others, if not themselves). How could it be, that’s what he did?
Comment by Lobby Ludd — 25 October, 2009 @ 10:49 pm
He did divide opinion - and that in itself presents a recurring problem of the “Left” when in positions of leadership…
http://www.davidosler.com/2009/10/redmond_oneill_an_assessment_b.html
…for a more critical assessment…
Comment by henry — 30 October, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
I wonder if there have identity politics in heaven ( or hell.
Comment by plastic paddy — 1 November, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Of course he bloody divided opinion. And no doubt stamped on toes. Whether rightly or wrongly, its impossible not to in politics if you are fighting for what you belief in. But what was clear from Redmond’s large funeral and the tributes paid to him from representatives of the Venezuelan government, Sinn Fein, Ken Livingstone, Diane Abbott and others, was that he was an internationalist, a communist, an Irish republican, and a thoroughly committed anti-racist. Anas Altikriti spoke powerfully of the critical role he played behind the scenes in helping to unite London’s communities after 7/7. Whatever political differences some on the left may have had with him, they subordinate themselves to these facts on his death.
Comment by Ger Francis — 1 November, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
There is nothing wrong with ‘dividing opinion’, although there are ways in which it is done that are unacceptable for socialists.
Being part of a secretive clique is likely to lead to unacceptable actions. Does ‘Socialist Action’ exist, what are their politics? At least with the RCP/LM/Spiked lot you get to read an on-line publication.
Doesn’t look like socialism to me.
Comment by Lobby Ludd — 2 November, 2009 @ 12:08 am
23 - ‘Doesn’t look like socialism to me.’
I’m sure this is terrifying them.
Comment by mikey — 2 November, 2009 @ 12:36 am
Mikey:
“23 - ‘Doesn’t look like socialism to me.’
I’m sure this is terrifying them.”
And your fucking point is? Some kind of macho thing, ’steel-hardened communist’ stuff and all that, I suspect.
Comment by Lobby Ludd — 2 November, 2009 @ 12:50 am
re 23 & 25
has it never occurred to you that what you call secrecy but what more accurately should be called discretion, is dictated by the circumstances ?
In today’s circumstances of rampant reaction, who gains if a campaign can be discredited by labelling it a ‘loony left’ front because its left wing leadership allowed this by putting self promotion above promotion of the campaign in question ?
I am proud to say i knew Redmond for 29 years and i know his guiding principle was that, as Marx and Engels put it in the Communist Manifesto: ” the Communists have no interests separate and apart from those of the working class as a whole”. If furthering the interests of the many progressive campaigns he was involved in meant doing unsung, anonymous work without raising his own or his organisation’s profile then that was the price to be paid for that campaign’s efficacy.
I would have thought such an approach should be commended rather than condemned given the British left’s penchant for self promotion.
Comment by john cutts — 12 November, 2009 @ 9:09 pm