Tributes to the late Jimmy Reid;
Alex Salmond;
“I am deeply saddened at the passing of
Jimmy Reid. He loved Scotland and her people – it was this
commitment that drove Jimmy to defend the jobs and communities
of the upper Clyde when he first shot to prominence nearly 40
years ago, with his inspirational and successful leadership of
the UCS work-in. It was the consistent mark of the man in all
the years since – Jimmy’s depth and calibre were amply
demonstrated in his unforgettable address as Rector of Glasgow
University.
“Jimmy Reid was Clyde built. He has been Scotland’s
great rallying figure over the last four decades, and was one
of the few Scottish political figures who can genuinely say that
they provoked real change for the better in society – always
addressing both a Scottish and international audience. Above all,
Jimmy was a warm, humorous, and generous human being.
“Scotland produces few people of Jimmy’s character
and calibre – I was honoured to know him, and proud that
he found his lasting political home in the ranks of the Scottish
National Party. Jimmy’s political journey to embrace the
cause of Scottish independence was hugely influential in promoting
further change in Scotland. He became a kenspeckle and much loved
figure at party conferences, and inspired a new generation in
Scotland with his wisdom, eloquence, wonderful sense of humour,
and above all the conviction that people coming together in a
common cause can make change happen. Jimmy believed that nothing
was impossible, and it was this spirit and sense of optimism that
I loved most.
“Jimmy will be missed not just across the political spectrum,
but throughout Scotland’s national life. I will miss his
wise counsel, while Scotland has lost a commanding figure of great
humanity.
“My condolences go to Joan, their three daughters Eileen,
Shona and Julie, and three grandchildren. Their grief is shared
by the nation.”
John Duffy - TUG Convener;
Sadly, once again our movement will come together
to pay tribute to one of our own. For that is what Jimmy Reid
was, one of us, one who saw the world was wrong as it is and did
something to try and change it. His actions and words cuts across
names and titles, parties, colours and ideologies. It was about
making the world a better place for us all to live in. And that
sentiment should be the driving force for the rest of us. A true
"great", he will be sadly missed.
Anne McNair - TUG Secretary;
Jimmy Reid was a rare combination of fiery intellect,
great humour and deep warmth. His commitment to the rights and
aims of the trade union movement was resolute. His leadership
in facing up to the Tory government in the historic fight to save
UCS and the shipbuilding jobs on Clydeside remains as an inspiration
for all. He was both an internationalist and a nationalist.
The SNP Trade Union Group were privileged to have worked alongside
Jimmy Reid and to have shared his aspirations.
Our thoughts are with his family.
Chris Stephens - TUG NEC Rep;
It was a joy to work with Jimmy Reid. A giant
of the Trade Union Movement in every sense of the word. The Trade
Union Group held a fringe meeting four years ago with Jimmy and
Bill Speirs. They both held the audience in the palm of their
hand. Jimmy knew what civic nationalism meant, and was quite simply
the best orator I have ever met. So long comrade, you will never
be forgotten.
Malcolm Balfour -TUG Liaison Officer
Jimmy Reid joined the party in April 2005 at
the S T U C in Dundee and was made life president of the SNP Trade
Union Group the following November, being proposed by myself and
Chris Stephens.
The experience he brought to the group was of immense help in
our endeavors and the help that he gave to me personally opened
many doors that otherwise would have remained closed and this
has enabled me to forge closer links with both the STUC and many
of it's affiliates .
I was privileged to have him call me his friend and to have him
call me his comrade was an honour.
Goodbye my friend.
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