Guiding Light
The collected speeches of John Smith
Edited by Dr. Brian Brivati Foreword by Donald Dewar
John Smith's influence lives on and this collection of speeches will serve as a lasting remebrance of a politician much loved and admired on both sides of the House
'I believe that everything is moving our way. We must never be complacent and must never take anything for granted but I believe the signs are set fairer for the Labour Party than they have been for a very long time... We will do our best to reward your faith in us but please give us the opportunity to serve our country. That is all we ask.' A few hours after delivering those words, to a European Gala Dinner in London in May 1994, John Smith was dead. After a political career spanning more than twenty years, this quiet and unassuming but deeply committed man had succeeded Neil Kinnock as leader of the Labour Party, and it seemed only a matter of time - and a short time at that - before he became Prime Minister. That was not to be, but many of his obituarists described him as the best Prime Minister the country never had. 'He was a complex man, but at his core stood unyielding principle. John argued for the social justice agenda, for redistribution of opportunity and of wealth, for his vision of a just society. It was idealism always dressed in the uniform of practical proposals that might stretch the conscience of middle Britain, but on which he believed the majority could be carried. He knew politics was the art of the possible, but on the great principles he would not give ground. He had a commitment which was unbreakable. He was a man with a sense of direction, a politician who knew what he was doing.' Donald Dewar Royalties from the sale of this book are being donated to the John Smith Memorial Fund
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About Dr. Brian Brivati is Senior Lecturer in Modern History at Kingston University. He is a successful author of many books and articles.
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