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OBIT: Barbara Castle

03 May 02 - 01:31 PM (#703727)
Subject: Barbara Castle
From: John J

It has just been announced on BBC Radio 4 that Barbara Castle has died. I don't like politicians generally, but she was one hell of a woman who I had a huge amount of respect for.

John


03 May 02 - 01:35 PM (#703729)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: McGrath of Harlow

Now she really deserves the kind of send-off the Queen Mother got...


03 May 02 - 01:37 PM (#703731)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: GUEST

BBC News Obit Click Here


03 May 02 - 01:42 PM (#703736)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Wyrd Sister

She truly deserved to be called feisty. Rest well, and may her spirit live on.


03 May 02 - 02:16 PM (#703767)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: DMcG

Strangely enough, ITV4 is saying her death was not announced until 6pm.

Barbara was a real conviction politician who followed her principles, as far as I know, at all times. I fear she will be missed more by the general people than by the current politicians.


03 May 02 - 02:17 PM (#703770)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: DMcG

Sorry - I was mislead by Mudcat time. BBC and ITV agree about the time.


03 May 02 - 03:11 PM (#703803)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Yvonne

How true, John. A remarkable woman with a razor sharp mind and a compassionate soul.


03 May 02 - 09:55 PM (#704041)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: GUEST,FOG(Friend of Gnome)

Barbara Castle fought all her life, often against much derision and contempt of the (extremely male-dominated) establishment. In her last few years it was ironic (and to her a source of great amusement) that the main direction of her beliefs was against the leadership of her once great Labour Party, an ideal that she she never betrayed. Tony Blair may have been genuine in his praise and sadness at her passing but by god I bet hes breathing a sigh of relief at the same time. Farewell Barbara- you were a true Lancastrian and a fine woman. The world is a sadder place for your leaving

Phil Seddon


04 May 02 - 01:05 AM (#704098)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: GUEST,Boab

Ninety-one years. Ah--- the Good do not always die young.


04 May 02 - 01:07 PM (#704278)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Paul from Hull

I had no idea she was that age!

She's certainly a great loss, though, even if she has had a good innings.


04 May 02 - 05:01 PM (#704393)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: John MacKenzie

It's funny how one conviction politician is lauded on this site, while another is reviled. I see no difference between the two, inmasmuch as both had total belief in the righteousness of their actions. Yes for those who have not already guessed I'm talking, Maggie Thatcher. I admire all of those who are willing to stand up for their beliefs, whether or not I share them. I grope for a quote somewhere at the back of my mind, something about not agreeing with someones ideals, but being willing to fight to the death, to defend their right to hold them.Yes Barbara Castle will be very much missed, by all who value integrity, and strength of character, may she rest in peace.
Failte.....Giok


04 May 02 - 05:03 PM (#704394)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Gaffer

I am one of those who believe that if her party had received her "In place of Strife" plan for Trade Union reform, we might never have been sentenced to Margaret Thatcher. A wonderful campaigner and one in a million - thanks, Barbara


05 May 02 - 08:32 PM (#704994)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Susanne (skw)

What a loss for women, Britain and the Labour Party! (Though the last may feel it the least ...)


06 May 02 - 09:21 AM (#705185)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Peter K (Fionn)

That's about right, Gaffer, though I must admit I was against "In place of strife" myself at the time.

Not mentioned so far, but after leaving the UK parliament Castle went on (in her 70s) to serve 10 years in the European parliament, where she was a highly effective and widely respected leader of the Labour group. After that of course she returned to UK politics in the House of Lords.

In comparison with some other giants of her generation (notably Michael Foot) she had the minor failings of extreme personal vanity and a tendancy to dwell on past glories.

Several times as a Labour party activist I secured her participation in evening events in London on the basis that I would run her home to High Wycombe afterwards (those who did this were never allowed to touch a drop of alcohol, she being - as she never failed to explain - the minister who had introduced the breathalyser). On one occasion my wife was in the car and fierce words were exchanged when the baroness made the mistake of switching the radio to "Today in Parliament" while my wife was listening to something about Ireland.


07 May 02 - 04:58 AM (#705769)
Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Dave Bryant

Although I liked Barbara Castle and had a lot of respect for her, I always remember her as the transport minister who brought in the 70mph speed limit - and made a big thing of the fact that she rode a bicycle.

I was working on Teeside at the time and had just invested in a fast car (an old Jensen 541R) to enable me to get back to London on the weekends. I agree the speed limit was necessary (especially considering the fact that most cars of the period weren't designed for fast motorway driving), but it added at least an hour to my journey.

She was one of the "Old Labour" stalwarts and had been campaigning for better pensions and the re-establishment of the inflation-related link - so she probably deserved the support of many of us on this site !