Monday, January 05, 2004

OBIT

Farewell to a true maverick - Sheila McKechnie. More recently, the Director of the Consumers' Association, I first came across McKechnie when she was Director of Shelter, the housing charity. At the time, I worked on housing policy issues and I was always struck by her ability to get to the heart of issues without resorting to political dogma. This at a time when the Tories had a fearful majority. But, battle she did. "Fearless campaigner": yes. But, never head in the clouds idealist.

Nice quote from the Chancellor, Gordon Brown:

"In everything Sheila did, her commitment was to expand people's rights. She was truly a champion of people's rights - campaigning hard and often controversially for change all the time she led Shelter and the Consumers' Association. Throughout her career, starting in the Trade Union movement, she constantly challenged organisations to put the rights of people at the centre of their mission. No-one will ever forget her unfailing support for great and noble causes even as her health deteriorated. She will be sorely missed."

:: Posted by pete @ 13:27