Author Archives: Mark Valladares

But whilst the political world is paying tribute, the loss is more acute to the family that is the Liberal Democrats. Here are some of the reactions from Twitter. For those of our readers who didn’t know Paddy as well, or for as long, perhaps these will give you a flavour of the man…

Paddy listened to what I had to say and then blasted all my arguments to pieces.
I shouldn't *always* use military metaphors for him, but they always come to mind. Sorry.
Paddy was open to anyone, but he'd never patronise by giving you less than fully armed & operation Paddy.

— Alex Wilcock 🔶 🏳️‍🌈 (@alexwilcock) December 22, 2018

"He never gave the impression when he talked to you that he was looking over your shoulder for someone more important," https://t.co/Fu95NhjkBL

— Jonathan Calder (@lordbonkers) December 22, 2018

In 2014, in the wake of nightmare Euro election results, I went on the Today programme at about 5 minutes notice to try to spread some peace and calm. Literally within seconds of me coming off air I had a highly complimentary email from #paddyashdown which I have always treasured

— Caron Lindsay 🔶 🇺🇦🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🇪🇺 (@caronmlindsay) December 22, 2018

I am absolutely devastated. I'll never forget my first big speech at Lib Dem party conference & coming off stage to have Paddy pat me on the back and tell me what a good job I did. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. https://t.co/w41iPpSpu6

— Amna Ahmad (@amnajahmad) December 22, 2018

It turns out that so many people had pictures of themselves with Paddy…

So very sad to hear that @paddyashdown has lost his last battle, with cancer. A sad day for Somerset, which he dearly loved. My thoughts are with Jane and his family x pic.twitter.com/lGBMiZbjhD

— Tessa 4 Wells (@tessamunt) December 22, 2018

https://twitter.com/aprilpreston_/status/1076584392561213440?s=21

Just 3 Months ago.
Thank you for spending time with us and share an insight in to your life. RIP Paddy Ashdown..
.@merleneemerson @ChineseLibDems @THLDs @LibDemLords @LibDemDiversity @ALDC @SiobhanBenita @CarolinePidgeon @caronmlindsay @CandyPiercy pic.twitter.com/XgPCsWXMey

— Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality (@LDCRE1) December 22, 2018

And the stories…

Paddy Ashdown: a human tornado whose energy seemed inextinguishable. But also a brilliant boss, author and international diplomat. My best memory: visiting Mitrovica, he got fractious local mobsters to commit to a common ideal, then made hot drinks (badly) for the local staff

— Iain King (@Iainbking) December 22, 2018

Fond memories of a campaign visit to an Indian restaurant kitchen with #PaddyAshdown. He brandished the skewers like a ninja while chatting to the chefs in their native language. I just watched in silent awe. We’ve lost a genuine hero today.

— Sarah Olney (@sarahjolney1) December 22, 2018

Thanks for the memories, Paddy…

It is the mark of a person when, in the hours after their death, tributes come from less expected corners. Here are some of the early ones, from across the political spectrum and beyond…

First, from the world of politics…

https://twitter.com/sebastianepayne/status/1076571700370829312?s=21

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news about Paddy. He was motivated by values of compassion, decency and a profound commitment to make the world a better place… He will be hugely missed by his many friends and admirers.”

Tony Blair’s statement https://t.co/670JHUABpM

— Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (@InstituteGC) December 22, 2018

Absolutely devastated to hear of the death of Paddy Ashdown. I'm actually crying. He has been a very good friend to me over the years and would always go out of his way to help me. What a bastard cancer is. A liberal light has gone out tonight. pic.twitter.com/7G3akpqEVl

— Iain Dale ⚒️🇺🇦.🇮🇱 (@IainDale) December 22, 2018

Saddened by the loss of a towering political figure who was a strong European and a dedicated constitutional reformer. Paddy Ashdown had endless energy, was prepared to cross party lines and served the UK and international communities with distinction. Thoughts with his family.

— Gordon Brown (@GordonBrown) December 22, 2018

I am so very sorry to hear of the death of my old friend Paddy Ashdown and before the ghastlies get at him , he was a formidable Royal Marine ,a bold and effective Liberal Leader and a first class administrator.#abigbeastgoesfartoosoonRIP

— Nicholas Soames (@NSoames) December 22, 2018

Shocked at the passing of former leader of the liberal democrats Paddy Ashdown, whilst we had our political differences he was a staunch defender of human rights and social justice, a truly sad evening for all who fight for social justice in our country. R.I.P Paddy xxxx pic.twitter.com/sqrsKmmsce

— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) December 22, 2018

But, of course, Paddy had a far wider impact on the world around him…

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend and loyal supporter, Lord Paddy Ashdown. He will be remembered as a strong advocate for Bosnia, serving as the country's High Representative & doing his best for the victims & survivors of genocide https://t.co/1apuIvs2O6 pic.twitter.com/MIkcZe603d

— Remembering Srebrenica (@SrebrenicaUK) December 22, 2018

So sad to hear the news of Paddy Ashdown. I saw the huge international respect he won for his inspirational leadership in Bosnia. His combination of prodigious energy, infectious enthusiam and total integrity came through in everything he did. And his capacity for friendship.

— Peter Ricketts (@LordRickettsP) December 22, 2018

Paddy Ashdown was a friend of the Syrian Revolution. He supported us in bringing the Assad regime to justice, he supported us in humanitarian aid and vouched for aid drops in Syria – and openly berated those who didn't care for Syrian lives. RIP Lord Ashdown.

— Razan Saffour (@RazanSpeaks) December 22, 2018

On behalf of everyone at Unicef, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Ashdown. Supporting the organisation for more than 8 years as President & Ambassador, Lord Ashdown was a passionate advocate for children everywhere. Our thoughts go out to Jane & his family. pic.twitter.com/WxAUbcZaXh

— UNICEF UK (@UNICEF_uk) December 22, 2018

and in some more unexpected places…

We send condolences to Paddy Ashdown’s family and friends. We often saw him in our reading rooms researching. He was latterly the President of @FriendsTNA and was a passionate supporter of our work.

— The National Archives (@UkNatArchives) December 22, 2018

But, for now, I’ll finish with a typical Paddy anecdote. If it had been anyone else, you probably wouldn’t believe it. But Paddy…

Paddy Ashdown, a true Liberal hero, RIP. When he was High Rep in Bosnia his team had a tip off about an incoming car bomb. Paddy's HQ was next to a petrol station, but he told his team to stay calm: "Don't worry. I tried to blow up a petrol station once – it didn't work."

— George Parker (@GeorgeWParker) December 22, 2018