I couldn’t believe it when I heard this morning that our friend and comrade John had passed away – he was one of those people that you can’t imagine not being around.

Reading everyone’s tributes makes clear the impact his kindness and intelligence had on so many people. He was the first person to really encourage me to write, something I will never forget. His book ‘Lenin for Today’ changed how I understand the world and history – certainly it has shaped how I approach my research today. He always encouraged me to avoid limiting myself to one paticular topic or another. That really shows what his vision of politics was like; everything matters, from history to art to ecology to mental health and beyond. As well, he was never short of books to recommend, or to slate, for that matter. I will miss those conversations very much.

His love of art and culture, and his understanding of how vital they are for our existence, always moved me. I will never forget one particular conversation we had at the pipers corner where we found we had the same favourite painting – the snail by Henri matisse. Or rather, the same favourite cut out.

Looking at the political world today, you would want someone with John’s commitment and experience more than ever. He will always be with us in our ongoing fight for a better world. All my love and thoughts with Mary now, and John’s family.

Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Rest in power John.