This is not my usual column for Tribune, because I want to pay tribute to a friend of mine who died last week after a battle with cancer, and who made a great contribution to progressive politics that I believe deserves to be highlighted.
Redmond O’Neill was my director of transport and public affairs during my eight years as London Mayor, and deputy chief of staff.
As Steve Hart, the regional secretary of the Unite union, said following Redmond’s death: “Redmond was at the heart of every aspect of [the] remarkable transformation of London. Individual contributions are often exaggerated – but on this occasion not.”
In the years following 1987, when I first met him, Redmond O’Neill was my closest adviser on Irish issues and had the job of turning London’s St Patrick’s Day parade into a major official celebration.
As we marched on the parade, we were both moved by the crowds and the emotion unleashed as London’s Irish community were finally able to celebrate their culture. I heard the pride in his voice as he phoned his family to say what an amazing day this was to be Irish in London.
A lifelong revolutionary socialist and leading figure on the left for three decades, Redmond was the son of Irish immigrants from Tipperary. His beliefs were deeply sensitive to all issues of colonialism and oppression.
Internationalism was a fundamental core of his socialist beliefs. This framework formed his life’s political involvement. The power of his contribution is reflected in the breadth of tributes from around the world.
Born in London, Redmond was the second of five children. As a student at Sussex University, against a backdrop of rising anti-colonial struggles, Redmond became an effective organiser joining the International Marxist Group which, of the left organisations at the time, was the most strongly internationalist. This decision formed the entire trajectory of the rest of his life.
Redmond believed the road to socialism would be hard and long and that to defeat injustice required support from many who did not necessarily share his vision so he combined his views with a genuine respect for others who shared part of this road, if not his ultimate goal. This respect for others radiated through his personality.
Redmond was expert at bringing together alliances around specific goals. He was instrumental in creating a centre-left alliance in the Labour Party, including with Tribune; building the campaign against cruise missiles; championing Irish unity; opposing the first Gulf War; organising solidarity with the Venezuelan revolution; opposing the war in Gaza; and defending Muslim communities.
After the break up of the Soviet Union, Redmond worked for left unity with others who also foresaw the catastrophic impact of the re-introduction of capitalism and the wars and racism which followed.
In struggle, he met his partner, Kate Hudson. He threw himself into building the anti-racist movement and most recently Unite Against Fascism. Through Socialist Action magazine he developed ideas and arguments on many issues.
Redmond recognised the significance of left advances in Latin America, particularly Venezuela; bringing President Chavez to London and pioneering an agreement between London and Venezuela are among his greatest contributions.
No one worked as hard as Redmond. As my deputy chief of staff responsible for transport, trade union relations, editing The Londoner and public affairs, he worked with all London’s communities, playing a major role in reducing racist attacks and ensuring community harmony after the July 7 terrorist attacks.
Redmond was no puritanical socialist. His joie de vivre made him charming. He loved Irish songs, and led many a chorus of “The Fields of Athenry”.
Redmond was the only person I knew who was more protective of his private life than I am and it was years before I discovered our shared interest in gardening.
He worked tirelessly, even when fighting cancer. At my house with friends the evening before he died, he was totally focused on the future and life.
It is only when things are going wrong that you know a person’s true worth and it was when we were most besieged that Redmond was most determined. With his courage and humour, there was no one better to have at your side. His loyalty and passion for justice were unsurpassed. Redmond is irreplaceable and his loss will be deeply felt.
