John Smith, 1938-1994
The leader of the Labour Party from 1992 to 1994, John Smith was involved in debating with the Glasgow University Dialectic Society and at the Glasgow University Union during his time at Glasgow University studying History and subsequently Law.
John Smith is also only one of two alumni to have his name added to the Memorial Gates after it was enacted in 1951, having been added in 2001 alongside Donald Dewar. I’ve specifically featured John Smith’s piece of the Memorial Gates before here and here.
This bust of John Smith is on the top floor of the GUU, between the doors to the Billiards Hall and the upper level of the Debates Chamber.
Now, here’s an interesting little game of ‘What If’ for you: had John Smith not passed away suddenly in 1994 from a heart attack, how different would the United Kingdom, and specifically Scotland be today? What if Smith had become Prime Minister for Labour in 1997 instead of Tony Blair?
(Wikipedia entry) (University of Glasgow Story)
[Poll #9: What is the best source of food on campus?] Click on the photo above for a larger version. Please rate the photo below! © 2010 GlasgowUniPhoto.com
Yes, if…..the biggest word in politics (and in life?).
March 11, 2010 at 11:48 am