OBIT: Barbara Castle

Subject: Barbara Castle
From: John J
Date: 03 May 02 - 01:31 PM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 May 02 - 01:35 PM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 02 - 01:37 PM

BBC News Obit Click Here

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 03 May 02 - 01:42 PM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: DMcG
Date: 03 May 02 - 02:16 PM

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.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: DMcG
Date: 03 May 02 - 02:17 PM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Yvonne
Date: 03 May 02 - 03:11 PM

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

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

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 04 May 02 - 01:05 AM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 04 May 02 - 01:07 PM

I had no idea she was that age!

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 May 02 - 05:01 PM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Gaffer
Date: 04 May 02 - 05:03 PM

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

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

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

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

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.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Barbara Castle
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 07 May 02 - 04:58 AM

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 !