Lady Thatcher, Sir Cyril Smith & Bob Miller:
Tributes in a Time of Turmoil
TODAY tributes will be paid to Lady Thatcher by the great and the good, and Dave Whelan, the Wigan Athletic chairman, has even said that Thatcher, who died on Monday at the age of 87, was 'owed' a minute's silence at Wembley ahead of the FA Cup semi-finals, and he also said that he would be in favour of players wearing black armbands out of respect. The Premier League and the Football League have said that they will not be requiring clubs to hold a minute's silence, though it remains possible that individual sides could request one. It is understood that the FA has no plans to hold a minute's silence ahead of either of this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
There was no minute's silence before the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Monday night, but Mr. Whelan claimed he could not understand why parts of the population, especially in the North of England, did not want to mark her death and said Manchester United's decision was 'very disrespectful'.
Tributes and obituraries are a tricky things to tackle as Northern Voices' (printed edition) found out last year, when it published one after the death of the Oldham schoolmaster, Bob Miller, an almost unknown anarchist who died almost two years ago. Unlike Lady Thatcher and Sir Cyril Smith, Bob Miller was not what we or anyone else might call a public figure in so far as he didn't do anything very much in public affairs, and it was this very fact that he kept his head down all of his life that got NV into so much trouble when we drew attention to the fact. None-the-less, the obituary has had a painful polarising impact on some in what passes for the English 'anarchist movement', in the same way that the death of Lady Thatcher is having now on the nation.
The death of Lady Thatcher and the mixed reactions to it, have been like a play by Bertold Brecht and it is polarising society in an extraordinarily melodramatic way even as I write these words. It may be sobering now to read the tributes issued at the time of the death of Sir Cyril Smith, another formidable figure, in the Rochdale Observer in 2010. Today, Sir Cyril is described as the disgraced former Rochdale MP and Rochdale Council have removed the blue plaque dedicated to him on Rochdale Town Hall. In the end it will not be these trite tributes or obituaries that will matter but the biographies, and memoirs dedicated to them in the years to come.
Tributes to Sir Cyril Smith in September 2010:
Lord (David) Steel of Aikwood, leader of the Liberals from 1976 until 1988:
'Cyril was first and foremost Mr Rochdale. His by-election picked up the Liberal Party from the disastrous 1970 election, when we had only six seats, and started our recovery.
'His was also our first breakthrough in the industrial north of England. He served diligently as MP, chief whip and president of the National Liberal Club.'
Jimmy Cricket, comedian and long-time friend of Sir Cyril:
'Cyril was a giant who loomed over the political landscape of Rochdale for over two decades.
'He was synonymous with the town, like the Co-op and Gracie Fields, and you would be hard put to find many people here, even today, whose lives haven't been touched by him.'
Norman Smith, Sir Cyril’s brother:
'Cyril was larger than life in so many ways and he was so very kind to so many people in Rochdale. During his time as a politician, he meant so much to so many people in the town who could go to him with lots of problems and he worked to resolve their concerns.
'He was involved in the life of Rochdale for so many years, and in so many organisations and charities. He was the best brother one could have and I couldn't have had a better brother. His family are obviously upset.'
Nick Clegg, deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader:
'Cyril Smith was a larger-than-life character and one of the most recognisable and likable politicians of his day.
'I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his death today, and offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
'Everybody in Rochdale knew him not only as their MP but also as a friend.
'He was a true Liberal, dedicated to his constituency, always showing great passion and determination.
'Cyril was a colourful politician who kept the flame of Liberalism alive when the party was much smaller than it is today.
'Rochdale and Britain have sadly lost one of their great MPs, and I think we can safely say there will never be an MP quite like Cyril Smith again.'
Simon Danczuk, Rochdale Labour MP:
'Sir Cyril was a towering figure who cast a large shadow over the political landscape in Rochdale. His influence was felt everywhere. I could not but admire the fact that as a member of what was then a very small party he managed to win five elections in Rochdale as a Liberal. I think this would be very hard to achieve today. Remember when Cyril won the seat there were only a handful of Liberal MPs.
'Sir Cyril was one of the first politicians of the TV age to use his personality and charisma to enormous effect. In that respect he was ahead of his time.'
Paul Rowen, former Lib Dem MP:
'I have known Sir Cyril since his first election victory in 1972. He has been a truly amazing ambassador for our town and a true inspiration to me personally. During my years as Rochdale MP he was a great source of advice and help and he remained active within the party up until only a few months ago due to his illness. He will be sadly missed by thousands of people, not only in Rochdale, but across the country.
'He was a towering figure for our party and led us through difficult times.'
Councillor Dale Mulgrew, Sir Cyril's Godson:
'Throughout his life many people, including myself, were touched by his great warmth and generous nature.
'But he wasn't afraid of speaking his mind. Over the years I often came to expect the firm guidance that he provided, which was often comforted by a memorable anecdote delivered with his characteristic charisma.
'Cyril, I and Rochdale will miss you.'
Councillor Irene Davidson, Lib Dem leader of Rochdale Council:
'When I first came to politics more than 20 years ago, Sir Cyril was the first person to take me under his wing and for all the time I have been a councillor he has been a great support. He was Mr Politics, and not just for Liberal Democrats. He simply was politics for Rochdale. Politics will never be the same without him and the Lib Dems will never be the same because we have lost such and important piece of jigsaw. He will be missed, not just in Rochdale but across the country. He lived, breathed and sweated politics and he is going to be very sadly missed.'
Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Conservative deputy leader of Rochdale Council:
'Sir Cyril really was Mr Rochdale. Whenever you went anywhere and mentioned Rochdale, everyone always asked about Cyril. He was a great advocate of the borough. He had a great deal of common sense. His views were not party political, but about what was best for the people of Rochdale. I had a lot of time and respect for him. He will be remembered as Mr Rochdale.'
William Roache, Coronation Street actor and friend:
'He was a lovely, fair-minded and good man. He was one of the first people who crossed party boundaries. He was a warm and friendly guy who always seemed to get right to the heart of the matter with incredible common sense.'
Sir Menzies Campbell, former Lib Dem leader:
'Cyril Smith was a one-off in British politics, instantly recognisable, with robust, enthusiastic commitment to his views.
'You only had to walk down the street with Cyril to realise how popular he was. His individualism was occasionally at odds with the party leadership, but his heart and soul were always with the party.'
Lord (David) Steel of Aikwood, leader of the Liberals from 1976 until 1988:
'Cyril was first and foremost Mr Rochdale. His by-election picked up the Liberal Party from the disastrous 1970 election, when we had only six seats, and started our recovery.
'His was also our first breakthrough in the industrial north of England. He served diligently as MP, chief whip and president of the National Liberal Club.
'He was always a warm-hearted colleague.'
John Spiller, Cyril Smith’s election agent in the 1972 by-election and Secretary General of the Liberal Party from 1983 to 1986:
'Cyril Smith's famous victory at the Rochdale By-election in 1972 ushered in a whole series of stunning election performances by the Liberal Party at that time.
'Cyril was a tough and formidable campaigner, a prime example of that very unique brand of northern politician with a no nonsense approach.
'His down to earth style, at times controversial endeared him to grass root liberal activist up and down the country.
'Cyril was also a kind and compassionate man.
'Early in his own life he had experienced very real and personal tough times. It was no surprise that over many years, and without fanfare, he would give practical and unstinting assistance to numerous families in Rochdale who were facing difficulties or problems.
'As Cyril's agent when he was first elected in 1972, I was in a privileged position to observe his many attributes. He was a leading politician of his time. He will be remembered with fondness and great affection, not only by the people of Rochdale who he served so magnificently but also thousands of liberals throughout the country.'
Sue McGuire, North West Liberal Democrat chairman:
'Our first thoughts are with Sir Cyril's family at this sad time. The people of Rochdale have lost a formidable champion today and the Liberal Democrats have lost someone who has been an outstanding influence on the party locally, regionally and nationally for over 40 years.'
Chris Davies, North West Liberal Democrat Euro-MP:
'Although he was never a European enthusiast he campaigned for me in 1999. I spent happy days travelling across the North West with Cyril, his brother Norman, and his former agent Rodney Stott. The car we used had been strengthened to bear their formidable collective weight and I was like the filling in a sandwich. Cyril wore his heart on his sleeve and was passionate about two things, Rochdale and politics. He could be a formidable foe, and the most loyal of friends. I have had experience of both.'
Councillor Jean Ashworth:
'We owe so much to him because he put Rochdale on the map and was a very genuine and positive person. He never held anything back, he said it as it was, and it's a very, very sad day for Rochdale. He will never be forgotten.'
Alan Taylor, former Rochdale council leader and Cyril's election agent from 1973 to 1978:
'Cyril Smith had a public side and a private side and those who were privileged knew the private Cyril. He could make anyone feel special. He was wonderful.'
Maureen Cooper, who succeeded Sir Cyril as the chairman of the Rochdale Childer, which he founded 41 years ago to help vulnerable children:
'Cyril was always very active up to the last few years.
'Even when he was in the House of Commons, he would still raise money for us by giving talks.
'He was a very generous and loyal friend, and very caring of those who were less fortunate.
'I'm sure that he would wish that the Rochdale Childer continue in the way he intended it to.'
Jimmy Cricket, comedian and long-time friend of Sir Cyril:
'Cyril was a giant who loomed over the political landscape of Rochdale for over two decades.
'He was synonymous with the town, like the Co-op and Gracie Fields, and you would be hard put to find many people here, even today, whose lives haven't been touched by him.
'Through his selfless dedication to helping others my own son, Dale Mulgrew, was inspired to enter politics.
"Though no longer with us, he will be for ever in the hearts and minds of the people of Rochdale.'
Vivien Coburn, his personal assistant from 1975 until his retirement in 1992:
'I applied for the job as his personal assistant through the Rochdale Observer and I thought ‘this is the job for me’. Cyril was great to work for and he was always very thoughtful and considerate. We became good friends and he always asked about my family. He was still asking about them when I went to visit him in hospital recently.'
The Rev Gillian Peel of Rochdale Unitarian Church, of which Sir Cyril was a lifelong member:
'It was with great sadness that we received the news that Sir Cyril Smith had passed away. Cyril has been a lifelong member of Rochdale Unitarian Church. He has always supported the church and was immensely proud of his Unitarian roots. As a youngster he was in the Unitarian Young People's League and he went on to become a Sunday School Superintendent, a role he only relinquished when he became an MP in 1972. Cyril was the chairman of the Trustees of the church until ill health forced him to resign, although he remained a member of the trustees. Cyril was a tireless worker on behalf of Rochdale Unitarian Church since being a young boy.
'He will be sadly missed by the members of the church and our sympathy goes to his brother Norman and Norman's wife, Shirley, at this sad time.'
_________________________________________________________
The next issueof the printed issue of NORTHERN VOICES No.14, will soon be available for sale with a blow-by-blow account of the rise and fall of Sir Cyril Smith written by John Walker one of the former editors of the Rochdale Alternative Paper, it can be obtained as follows:
Postal subscription: £5 for the next two issues (post included). Cheques payable to 'Northern Voices' sent to c/o 52, Todmorden Road, Burnley, Lancashire BB10 4AH.
Tel.: 0161 793 5122.
email: northernvoices@hotmail.com
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