On Thursday I posted about the terrible news of the death of Redmond O’Neill. Redmond was Ken Livingstone’s director of transport, and public affairs, and was deputy chief of staff during Ken’s mayoralty. These descriptions, however important, do not do him anywhere near justice.

Redmond was a great inspiration.  He could put everyone else to shame with his insight and energy.

His commitment was to the cause of humanity for which he was unrelenting.

It should be said that he loved London and its possibilities and he was a superlative advocate of London’s interests during Ken’s mayoralty. To work with him every single day, to debate every important issue as we went, and to achieve the many victories that were possible alongside him was a great experience.  He was an indispensible and driving force and is irreplaceable.

Some of the public tributes have pointed to the great many issues he was involved in and the political course for London he helped shape. At present at least I feel that it is impossible to talk about one or two examples without then failing to give a full picture of his role and achievements. For now therefore it should be said that without him London would have been a much different place, for the worse.

Redmond was able to do what he did for London because of his wider political viewpoint and skills. He applied these to London as incisively as he did on every other question he addressed throughout his life. His input was not defined purely by London, however great that work was; his input at a national and international level was as important and valuable as ever.

When some new idea or insight came to him he was gripped by it and wildly enthusiastic in pursuing it and its ramifications. He was a pleasure to unwind with, share a meal or drink with. He had a great sense of humour. I might add that from my own experience he was always quick to offer support and friendship when it mattered most. He was the least cynical person I have probably ever met.

Redmond showed great personal courage and strength in fighting cancer. I saw him with Ken Livingstone and one or two other colleagues only the night before he died. He was on good form despite the operation he knew he had to face the next day. It is an indication of his deep political commitment that he was applying his mind and great talents to politics right up to the last: discussing how to support the case of the postal workers, how to advance a progressive agenda for London, talking about economic policy and strategy for the left. He was lively and focused.  This seems to be the best and most fitting way to remember him – preoccupied as ever with the next things that had to be addressed.

It’s impossible not to consider yourself a little and dwell on how losing someone you liked and respected so much impacts on you but the most important thing is to focus on him, I think:  what he went through in his battle with cancer, but also to try a little harder to apply his outlook to life, and the world, to your own life; both because of its own inherent merits and out of respect for him.

I do not feel I can really do justice to Redmond. Redmond’s death has been met with great shock and many many people have given their own tributes to him. I have reproduced some of the public messages below, and some others may be found here, and I will add some more later.

He was a true comrade and great personality.

With love to Kate, his family and loved ones.

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I posted Ken Livingstone’s statement on Thursday. It can be read here.

London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy:

“Redmond O’Neill managed the relationship between Transport for London and Ken Livingstone’s Mayoralty for eight years, and did so with honesty, conviction and a strong commitment to excellent public services, equality and inclusion. He worked hard, and encouraged others to do the same, by example. All of us who dealt with him are greatly saddened by his untimely death.”

Statement from the government of Venezuela:

“The Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nicolás Maduro Moros, was saddened to hear the news of Mr. Redmond O’Neill’s death. He was an intimate friend, a companion in the fight for equality and justice and a fervent champion of the Bolivarian Revolution.

“As a progressive activist, he fulfilled a key role at the Greater London Authority (GLA), where valuable contributions to improve the lifestyle of people from Caracas were made, within the framework for cooperation between the GLA and the Bolivarian Government. The foreign Minister, Mr. Nicolás Maduro, commemorated the work done in Europe and worldwide under Mr. Redmond O’Neill leadership, and through the Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign (VSC), concerning widespread coverage of the achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution.

“The Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses his sincere condolences to Kate, Redmond’s partner, to Ken Livingstone, his great friend and comrade at all times, and to his family and friends. He is sure that many people, miles away from London, will be thinking of them during this time of deep grief.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Steve Hart (Unite Regional Secretary, London & Eastern Region):

“Unite is deeply saddened by the death of our friend and comrade Redmond O’Neill. He made an immense contribution to London. There has been insufficient recognition of the enormous progressive change in the eight years of the Livingstone mayoralty. History will be impressed – and Redmond’s role will be recognised.

“A transport system transformed – uniquely for any world city bus ridership grew rapidly, congestion fell, a redistributive fares policy gave fair access for all, and green objectives became a reality.

“A city to be proud of, with a London Living Wage and other measures addressing poverty, seeking social inclusion and equality, where the poor, the disadvantaged, the jobless were at the centre of policy. A city where cultural diversity was really celebrated, explicitly through festivals and explicit anti-racism, and implicitly in every breath of London’s administration.

“A city which was able to endure the 7th July bombings and come through it as a strengthened community. A world city, not just because of the diversity of its cultures, not just because of its reputation for innovation, but because it reached out to the future world in Latin America, particularly Venezuela, and in China.

“Redmond was at the heart of every aspect of this remarkable transformation of London. Individual contributions are often exaggerated – but on this occasion not. Apart from Ken himself, probably no-one contributed more to the team that changed London. His relentless energy drove the policies, his ideas inspired others, but crucially he sought to build alliances of the progressive forces that could carry London forward.

“Unite worked particularly with him closely on transport policies – he was never a soft touch for us, but he was central to the significantly increased living standards of 25,000 busworkers in London as they transported ever more passengers.

“On the first Monday of Ken’s Mayoralty, Redmond and Ken met the Ford unions to plan support for Dagenham – which was then generously delivered. In the week before his death, he was developing with us a response to the latest London Transport Strategy. The kind of relationship that unions want – a close working relationship that delivers for working people.

“If winning the young is seen as critical to securing the future for left and progressive politics in Britain Redmond played a key role in bringing the European Social Forum to London in 2004 and mobilising tens of thousands of young people to come to Alexandra Palace for three days of political debate, social mobilisation and a really good time.

“He was a thoroughly decent, warm, kind, generous person – many of us at Unite became very good friends with him. Our deepest sympathy goes to Kate, to his family and his friends.

“We will mourn, but we will also organise. There can be no better tribute to his memory than to redouble our efforts to build and rebuild the alliance of forces that can put London back on a progressive road.

Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Fein:

“Le bás Redmond tá laoch ar son saoirse na hÉireann caillte againne agus is fíor bhrón e sin.

“It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that I learned of the death of Redmond. I want to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to Redmond’s partner Kate, his sisters Fidelma, Ann and Tara and all the very close friends and comrades who loved and respected him.

“I met Redmond many times during my visits to London . He was a very dedicated and energetic supporter of Irish reunification, of the peace process and of justice and equality campaigns. During Sinn Féin’s recent discussions around initiating a focussed campaign on Irish reunification Redmond played a very helpful role. Right up until the day before his death, he was advising and contributing to the discussion and bringing to it wealth of energy, talent.

“His suggestions were insightful and have helped shape the approach Sinn Féin will be taking, and the structure and content of the conference that is planned for London next February. As an Irishman, born in Britain , Redmond’s vigour and enthusiasm for promoting many progressive campaigns and initiatives was respected and infectious.

“Most recently, in his role as policy director to Ken Livingstone when he was Mayor, Redmond championed the promotion of London ’s St Patrick’s Parade and Festival which made it one of the largest celebrations of Irish heritage anywhere in the world. His key role in this and many other endeavours, in supporting justice and freedom in Ireland and in other parts of the world, were widely known and underline why his loss will be so greatly felt.

“Redmond was a kind, generous, and courageous comrade. These qualities are reflected in how well liked and loved he was by those who he met in both his political and personal life. He will be remembered by all those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time and we also remember, in happiness, his positive and exceptional contribution.

“Is measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam dílís.”

Nicky Gavron AM, former Deputy Mayor of London:

“London may not know it but it has benefited enormously from Redmond’s years at the Greater London Authority. He was part of the small group that was central in setting up and getting the authority running, and sustaining its very progressive programme. He made a very significant contribution to the development of the whole transport agenda, in particular public transport, that we drove through in the eight years we were in power. He also played a major role in engaging with London’s communities and forging links with cities internationally.

“I personally benefited greatly from his supportive way of working. However busy he was he always made time for people. Whatever the problem he would come up with a constructive solution and would make sure it was followed through. What I loved was his ‘can-do’ attitude. Some people look for problems but Redmond looked for answers.

“He commanded everyone’s respect and was loveable with it. His courage and positive approach to everything he undertook and faced is an example tous all.  Redmond was an irreplaceable comrade and I’ll miss him terribly. With deep sympathy to his loved ones.”

Conor McGinn (Vice-Chairman, Labour Party Irish Society):

“The Labour Party Irish Society wish to pay tribute to Redmond O’Neill, who died last week.

“Redmond was a founding member of the Labour Party Irish Section, which went on to become the Labour Party Irish Society. His work in those early days to gain recognition for Irish people in the Labour movement was tireless and will not be forgotten. He made a significant contribution to the Irish in Britain, particularly in London, and in recent years his work in the Greater London Authority was instrumental in ensuring that the city held one of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. He, along with Ken Livingstone, was one of the key people involved in opening dialogue to try and change the situation in the north of Ireland, and his very brave and visionary work at that time was an important part of building the peace process which has improved the lives of so many people in Ireland and Britain.

“Redmond was an advocate for the Irish in Britain at a time when those who spoke out on behalf of his and our community were few and far between. With his passing, we have lost a valued friend and comrade. The members and activists of the LPIS extend our condolences to his family, friends and comrades. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Jenny Jones AM (former Deputy Mayor of London):

“Redmond was someone who wanted to make things better for people who were disadvantaged, so he worked, argued and was creative in making a different, fairer London for everyone. He was also fun to be with. A very special man.”

George Galloway MP:

“The tragically untimely death of Redmond O’Neill is an enormous loss to all who struggle for peace and justice everywhere and to those of us in London especially.

“As senior advisor to Ken Livingstone, Redmond played a crucial role in developing policies which are sorely missed and which the current mayor has ripped up.

“He developed the links between London and Caracas, which swapped cheap fuel for transport expertise and provided practical means of bringing the deep social changes in Venezuela to a wider audience in Britain.

“For at the heart of what Redmond’s politics was not simply achieving what change was possible in the domestic political structure, but challenging injustice and the abuse of power wherever it occurred in the world. It was a commitment that he stuck with through good times and bad.

“When so many of his generation were happy to bend to Tony Blair’s reheated liberal imperialism and its concomitant, virulent Islamophobia, Redmond was one of those who saw his duty to stand as a comrade with nations under great power bombardment and people under the lash of bigotry and racism. He was unshakable.

“At times it might have been expedient to abandon those principles and to accommodate to the press barons who tried to red-bait Ken’s administration, and his advisors in particular, or to buy in to the journalistic commonplaces in so much of the liberal media. Redmond refused to do so, and therefore gained the undying respect of those Muslim and ethnic minority communities who were under fire. They and we will miss him terribly – all the more as new tides of social division and scapegoating lap around us in London and across the country.

“My deepest condolences and respects to Kate, Redmond’s family, friends and comrades.”

Francisco Dominguez, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign Secretary:

“It is hard to put into words the enormity of the contribution made by Redmond in the struggle to support socialism in Venezuela and the huge extent of his loss. Redmond more than anyone understood that Venezuela was a huge progressive beacon across the world, and that our solidarity here was so important.

“No one was more passionate and unflinchingly committed to Venezuela’s struggle to create a better way forward. In every task and endeavour, however large or small, Redmond did his absolute utmost to make a difference.

“Redmond played an absolutely pivotal role in strengthening the ties between progressive people in this country and Venezuela.

“Most significantly, Redmond was key to organising the visit of President Chavez to London in 2006 and was absolutely integral to bringing about the pioneering agreement between London and Venezuela. The impact of the work he did cannot be underestimated. No one made a greater contribution than Redmond in the huge strides forward in developing European co-ordination in solidarity with Venezuela. He made a vital contribution to our work in the development of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign.

“Redmond’s unique and irreplaceable belief and passionate support for socialism in Venezuela will serve as a huge source of inspiration in our future work. All of us who knew and loved him, as both a colleague and a friend, can remember his courage, dedication and unflinching commitment and draw upon that as we redouble all our efforts in solidarity with Venezuela and those who share our belief in humanity throughout the world.

“On behalf of VSC, we extend our deepest, sincere condolences and wishes to his partner Kate and all his family and friends.

“He will be sorely missed.”

British Muslim Initiative:

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the British Muslim Initiative (BMI) mourns the passing away of Redmond O’Neill, advisor to the former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

“To all those who knew him or came to work with him, O’Neill was truly an outstanding and courageous man, who dedicated his life to improving the lives of ordinary people. His drive, motivation, enthusiasm and sense of humour were all unique, and seldom failed to rub off and positively affect those in his presence. Even during the times when he was gravely ill, he was always upbeat and ever thinking of initiatives and projects that would serve the public.

“Mohammed Sawalha, President of BMI stated: ‘Over the years in which we were blessed to know him, O’Neill constantly proved a great friend, an incredible supporter and an excellent public servant. It was a pleasure to have had him as a friend and brother and a privilege to have worked with him. His passing away is a loss not only to those who were close to him, but to the entire Muslim community whom he served with care, diligence and dedication’.

“The British Muslim Initiative expresses it sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones; particularly our friend and sister Kate Hudson, the Chair of CND on this sad advent.”

Salma Yaqoob, Respect:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about Redmond’s passing away. Although he had been ill, it still came as a shock. It is a testament to his life, however, that so many of us feel it as a personal blow. His unwavering commitment to justice gave many, many people, including myself, hope – not just on the issue of Venezuela, but on a whole range of issues. He embodied the meaning of solidarity.

“My sympathies and condolences go out to all his loved ones, family and friends. Please take some solace that his contribution has touched the lives of thousands of people, and in so doing, his humanity still lives on…”

Darren Johnson, Chair of the London Assembly:

“On behalf of the London Assembly I write to express our sadness and condolences following the death of Redmond O’Neill.

“Redmond was one of the driving forces at the inception of the GLA and contributed extensively to the authority’s development, as Deputy Chief of Staff and as the former Mayor’s Director of Transport and Public Affairs from 2000-08.

“He spearheaded initiatives and collaborations with London’s communities, celebrating the diversity of our city and bringing Londoners together each year for St Patrick’s Day, St George’s Day, Eid, Simcha on the Square, Diwali, Chinese New Year and many others.

“He made a real difference to London and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

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[This post was updated Wednesday 28th October with further statements]