Dennis Healey

Such an interesting man. We really don't seem to get the personalities these days. They are all identikit politicians from the same schools who all did the same degrees at the same universities. There are very few originals now.

He was also a fine photographer. His portraits manage to capture the character of his subjects.

When all else is forgotten, we will remember his eyebrows

I can only remember his eyebrows.

DF always said he was 'The Best Prime Minister We Never Had'

Once, in the 1970s, when I was still a member of the Labour Party, I went to an election meeting addressed by Denis Healey. The hall at the local FE College was packed to the doors, standing room only and he held his audience in the palm of his hand. I can't now remember what he said, but he had me hooked and there was no doubt where my vote was going. We don't have speakers like that among the present crop of politicians nor do we have packed out election meetings. They were so much better than those blandly scripted PPBs. RIP Denis, you lived a long and fruitful life.

A few years later, I may say, Shirley Williams had the same effect!

But didn't he endorse Blair?
I suppose everyone's allowed some mistakes ...

Just listened to him on the radio. He didn't have much time for Wilson, no surprises there.

Whatever your politics, Denis Healey was a man to admire for his brain and his wit and humour (and those eyebrows).

RIP Denis

I wouldn't call all today's politicians bland in grey suits, our Dave has been at the spray tan yet again

Yes! I heard that in the car on my way home a bit ago. He was a great man and well respected by most other politicians. I can only echo everyone else's comments.
I knew he was well into his 90s. Your not doing badly if you can get to 98.

This was his best line in Westminster. To Geoffrey Howe.

The "like being savaged by a dead sheep.

news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/historic_moments/newsid_8185000/8185778.stm

I read his biography years ago, I liked him, and my girls school was next to the school ( for boys) that he attended, not that I am in the same age group ( though sometimes feel like it!)
All this pushing button stuff is getting out of hand though, he was never PM so not of note.

From a time when politicians weren't all bland, grey men in suits.

merlotgran neither did I! As has been said before, a great statesman and speaker, he will be sadly missed and remembered by many, irrespective of their political hue.

I didn't realise he was 98

A good man, a good life.

One of the good guys - sad to hear he has gone.

A man of great intellect with wide interests outside of politics. Lived about 10 miles from me.

Very sad to hear this. A great statesman and speaker. We could do with more like him in all parties.

Just said that Healey said he would never press the nuclear button himself. It was Peter Hain talking about him.

A lovely man with a great sense of humour , RIP

Although I'm not a socialist, I am very sorry to hear this. Present day politicians are all light weights by comparison.

I always liked him and Edna. Sad to hear that. Like many politicians he seemed to grow in stature once he had given up office, but remained a very learned and perceptive man I felt. RIP