Peter Hadden has died

national | miscellaneous | press release

Friday May 07, 2010 13:12

by Socialist Party NEC

Leading member of the Socialist Party and a member if the International Executive Committee of the CWI

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Peter Hadden died at his home in Belfast on Wednesday 5 May after a courageous battle against cancer. Peter played an enormous role in the workers' movement in Ireland and internationally, and will be remembered with great fondness and admiration by the thousands of workers he struggled alongside.

Here are some tributes from working class and socialist activists who knew Peter:

Peter was a giant of revolutionary socialism, whose brilliant analysis of the national question stands alongside that of James Connolly. How fitting he went out to the accompaniment of the mass resistance of the Greek workers.
- Joe Higgins MEP

I would like to convey my deepest sympathies with Peter’s family and friends and express gratitude and appreciation on behalf of all the workers at the Visteon plant in Belfast. It is unquestionable that throughout our occupation the support from Peter and his comrades in the Socialist Party was invaluable.

- John Maguire, Convenor of the Belfast Visteon workers

Peter’s death is a real loss to the workers' movement. His experience, knowledge and unshakeable commitment to fighting for workers interests were tremendous assets. Throughout our strike in 2002, Peter was rock solid in his support and without doubt gave us strength to keep fighting.
- Jim Barbour, speaking on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union

Longstanding Socialist Party member and leading trade union activist Billy Lynn explained “Peter will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him and collaborated with him down the years. But Peter’s contribution to the socialist movement lives on, through his writings which are indispensable today in the fight against the savage cuts which all the parties in Westminster and Stormont are determined to inflict upon working class people. The greatest tribute which can be paid to Peter is to build a mass socialist movement to eradicate the gross inequalities and poverty in society, here and internationally.”

Peter played an instrumental role at times in assisting and building solidarity with workers involved in struggles, such as those at Visteon, Montupet and the Chelsea Girl strike.

He also made an immense contribution to the development of socialist thought in Ireland and internationally, writing many books and articles which qualitatively enriched a socialist understanding, particularly on the national question. His consistent emphasis on the need for workers’ unity against all forms of sectarianism in Northern Ireland inspired workers in many countries afflicted by national conflict, such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Israel and Palestine.

Peter will be sadly missed by partner Susan, sons Owen and Stephen and brother David.

Peter’s funeral will be held at 2pm Monday 10 May at Roselawn Cemetery Belfast.

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Comments (10 of 10)

Deepest sympathies

by Davy Carlin

Fri May 07, 2010 11:43

My deepest sympathies go out to Peter’s family, friends and comrades.

I had known Peter for the last 15 years or so and found him as a man of great passion and drive for workers interests. Peter had a great political mind and was held in great regard within the workers Movement for the commitment, leadership and huge contribution he and the Socialist Party had provided and made in many workers struggles over the years.

And although we had our differences at times, it was an honour to have known him and to have stood shoulder to shoulder with him and his Party on workers issues, campaigns and Movements over the years.

Davy Carlin, Belfast {Former Chairperson of the Anti Racism Network}

by Michael Gallagher

Fri May 07, 2010 13:54

I was shocked when I heard last night of Peter's death, he was a great fighter and I'm sure will be missed in many ways.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Comradely Condolences

by Darren C - L5I (pc)

Fri May 07, 2010 18:42

I didn't know Peter particularly well during my time in the Socialist Party, but I admired his life in the struggle and the huge contribution he made to the development of socialist politics in Ireland. It's tragic to see a thoughtful and committed organiser depart this world. May we as socialists take strength from his example. My condolences to his family and comrades for their sad loss

Funeral

by ??

Wed May 12, 2010 12:43

Any reports available of the funeral?

Fuller Obit

by SP Watcher

Wed May 19, 2010 16:50

See full obit for Peter Hadden at

http://www.socialistpartyni.net/component/content/artic...-2010

I must say, I doubt that many people outside the SP's own ranks will recognise much in it.

A sad loss

by Jolly Red Giant - Socialist Party / CWI

Wed May 19, 2010 18:55

Peter's contribution to the workers movement and in particular his analysis of the national question, will stand the test of time.

RIP Comrade.

Obituary

by xxx - SP

Wed May 19, 2010 19:20

Another obituary of Peter Hadden from the paper of the Socialist Party in England & Wales

http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/9545/25-05-20...eting

videos

Thu May 20, 2010 17:44

two part video of Peter Hadden speaking on the St. Andrews Agreement at Socialism 2006 inDublin -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CHTjkjsVjc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdHTBZJbA7w

Yep

Fri May 21, 2010 12:52

Looking back {for me} on some of Peters writings and talks he was spot on on quite a bit. And although there are points I did disagree with him {more especially on aspects of the North where we had heated debate and discussion} – I nevertheless learnt quite a bit about politics in my early years of recent activity engaging and debating with Peter and the Socialist party

ATB

D

IT Obit

by ???

Sun May 23, 2010 20:22

Irish Times obit also

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/obituaries/2010/052....html

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Peter Hadden has died

Comments (10 of 10)