Ex-Cllr Angus Graham
When I returned home today, it was with great sadness that I heard of the death of my former colleague.
Angus was one of the best councillors ever to grace the chamber, although - as with many of his colleagues - we did not always see eye to eye.
Angus had huge experience, guile, ability, intelligence, drive, determination and foresight in his many roles inside the Council; and beyond in the many responsibilities he took on.
I could write a eulogy about his abilities but that would not be honest or fair; nor would Angus have wanted to be painted as a saint. He was never afraid to challenge or cross anyone, nor to use his abilities to achieve an end that he considered worthy.
Angus was a master at the black political arts which go on behind the scenes and which (when expertly worked) are never seen. He believed passionately in many causes - low pay, crofting, the Labour Party (but not New Labour) and his ward amongst others - and was never slow in coming forward to state his views.
I decided to stand for the Council in 1999 largely as a result of seeing his role as Vice-Convener and was immediately thrust into the role of king-maker by Angus who wanted the votes he believed I could deliver. It was a baptism of fire and a rapid, and unforgiving, learning curve as I saw him corner Councillors as he sought their votes. His relationship with Council employees was unique, and ranged completely across the spectrum.
Angus and I fell out over his role as Chair of Transportation, and I suffered the repeated lambasting that he felt was due to all upstarts who challenged his views, and the prolonged battle affected the new Council for some six months, before the matter was concluded. We didn't speak directly for many long months, publicly exchanging long and interminable correspondence on obtuse points of protocol before the Council settled down again.
He may have moved to the backbenches but his presence was always felt in the Council and noted by the journalists who he assiduously courted which resulted in his regular exclusive appearance in all the media, much to the despair of us less-quotable Councillors.
After the icy chill thawed, we spent many hours arguing respectfully about the finer points of whatever topic was up for debate, even though our views were not hugely different.
Amongst my recollections of Angus were his ability to come into the Chamber and to only then open the envelope with his papers with great show (and noise) and ask what item we were at. At which point he would then produce an excellent, on the hoof argument for or against the point, lambasting the previous speakers, grabbing the headlines without any effort, and trying to place the Chair in an invidious position. You lost concentration at your peril; or 'mis-spoke' at the risk of a serious verbal humiliation.
Above all, he made immense contributions to debates, frequently using his rhetoric and well-judged motions to guide the Comhairle to vastly improved decisions.
He was the master of the Standing Order, pulling sub-clauses from the depths of his experience at a moment's notice and bending the Chamber to his will. That he sometimes used his wiles to manipulate the rules was in hindsight wonderful to see, and an enormous education to us all.
Angus and I were never reconciled beyond a nodding acquaintance, but we respected each others' views, whilst trying to knock lumps out of each other. However, I never stopped having an utter admiration for his uncompromising abilities and political abilities.
He is a huge loss to the causes he espoused, the community that he served, and to the family that he so obviously loved and protected.
Angus was one of the best councillors ever to grace the chamber, although - as with many of his colleagues - we did not always see eye to eye.
Angus had huge experience, guile, ability, intelligence, drive, determination and foresight in his many roles inside the Council; and beyond in the many responsibilities he took on.
I could write a eulogy about his abilities but that would not be honest or fair; nor would Angus have wanted to be painted as a saint. He was never afraid to challenge or cross anyone, nor to use his abilities to achieve an end that he considered worthy.
Angus was a master at the black political arts which go on behind the scenes and which (when expertly worked) are never seen. He believed passionately in many causes - low pay, crofting, the Labour Party (but not New Labour) and his ward amongst others - and was never slow in coming forward to state his views.
I decided to stand for the Council in 1999 largely as a result of seeing his role as Vice-Convener and was immediately thrust into the role of king-maker by Angus who wanted the votes he believed I could deliver. It was a baptism of fire and a rapid, and unforgiving, learning curve as I saw him corner Councillors as he sought their votes. His relationship with Council employees was unique, and ranged completely across the spectrum.
Angus and I fell out over his role as Chair of Transportation, and I suffered the repeated lambasting that he felt was due to all upstarts who challenged his views, and the prolonged battle affected the new Council for some six months, before the matter was concluded. We didn't speak directly for many long months, publicly exchanging long and interminable correspondence on obtuse points of protocol before the Council settled down again.
He may have moved to the backbenches but his presence was always felt in the Council and noted by the journalists who he assiduously courted which resulted in his regular exclusive appearance in all the media, much to the despair of us less-quotable Councillors.
After the icy chill thawed, we spent many hours arguing respectfully about the finer points of whatever topic was up for debate, even though our views were not hugely different.
Amongst my recollections of Angus were his ability to come into the Chamber and to only then open the envelope with his papers with great show (and noise) and ask what item we were at. At which point he would then produce an excellent, on the hoof argument for or against the point, lambasting the previous speakers, grabbing the headlines without any effort, and trying to place the Chair in an invidious position. You lost concentration at your peril; or 'mis-spoke' at the risk of a serious verbal humiliation.
Above all, he made immense contributions to debates, frequently using his rhetoric and well-judged motions to guide the Comhairle to vastly improved decisions.
He was the master of the Standing Order, pulling sub-clauses from the depths of his experience at a moment's notice and bending the Chamber to his will. That he sometimes used his wiles to manipulate the rules was in hindsight wonderful to see, and an enormous education to us all.
Angus and I were never reconciled beyond a nodding acquaintance, but we respected each others' views, whilst trying to knock lumps out of each other. However, I never stopped having an utter admiration for his uncompromising abilities and political abilities.
He is a huge loss to the causes he espoused, the community that he served, and to the family that he so obviously loved and protected.
9 comments:
Despite having been on the reciveing end of many a tongue lashing from Angus, that somehow developed into a level of respect. He had his opinions, could debate and was not scared to put his head above the parapet. many current councillors can only wish for such respect.
His backing for 'hard-hated' jobs had no boundaries and he was a fervent supporter of the man in the orange boiler suit.
The new bed of politicans have lost a mentor who they have failed to follow.
Angus; an appropriate and touching tribute to a man who served his community and party for many, many years. He’ll be sorely missed.
I didn't agree much with his politics, but he had more gumption than the current Loch a Tuath trio put together.
“more gumption than the current Loch a Tuath trio” – hardly a ringing endorsement for a man who brilliantly led and represented the islands for his community for many years.
The current loch a tuath trio are a mixed bag, Coinneach Mor; always an eye for the main chance - difficult to determine which eye. Reputation in tatter after the schools debacle.
John A MacIver – a decent guy, but a tad dim.
Catherine Stewart – more ability than the other pair and will grow with experience. She could have done with a mentor like big Angus.
Remember when Angus joined the Comhairle – he was very much the outsider. He set about rocking the cosy town cabal – and boy how he did it.
Re 10.23 In a few years Catherine Stewart may even be on a par, with experience and excellence, as her colleague Annie!
How could Catherine Stewart, who stood on a save Back Secondary Ticket, firstly accept the position of vice chair of education knowing that she was against that committees main policy, then vote to close other secondary's but vote to save Back, it's rank hypocrisy.
Not only should she resign as vice chair she should consider her position as a councillor.
10:23 you must be having a laugh.
Catherine Stewart and ability should definitely not be used in the same sentence.
I do agree with you about Coinneach, I`m only in it for the money, Maciomhar, but do not underestimate John A.
You are quite correct 7:01 Angus earned the kind of respect that many current councillors can only dream of.
My Grandfather was a great man but sadly his loss meant years of sadness of me, my gran and my mum. He will be greatly missed.
My Grandfather was a great man and his loss means years of sadness for me, my gran and my mum. He will be greatly missed.
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