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Published: 30 September, 2010
by DAN CARRIER

THEY sung the Socialist anthem The Red Flag to say goodbye to councillor Dave Horan – it was stand­ing room only as more than 200 mourners packed Golders Green Crematorium on Wednesday.

And while speakers included renowned left-wing MPs John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn, Cllr Horan, 57, who died last week from cancer, was respected right across the political spectrum. Politicians from all parties came to say goodbye, as did friends and neighbours from Kentish Town, where he had lived since the 1980s.

Cllr Horan grew up in Tottenham before moving to Clacton. He studied English at Warwick University and became a teacher at Holloway School in the 1970s.

Labour MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn said he had first met Cllr Horan when he been at the school as a union organiser. Dave went on to work part-time for him, helping draft letters and do casework. Mr Corbyn said: “He had a real commitment to bringing the best out of his pupils.”

The MP added that as well as Cllr Horan’s burning sense of right and wrong that spurred his political career that saw him win four local elections, he had a true intellect that found joy in English literature. An admirer of Shakespeare, with whom he proudly shared a birthday, he also had an encyclopaedic historical knowledge that Mr Corbyn would draw on. Mr Corbyn added: “He was so well-read and knew so much about so many different subjects.”

Peter Jones from the British Humanist Society, who conducted the ceremony, spoke of those whose lives were improved because of Cllr Horan’s work. He said: “He was the tireless champion of those marginalised people in society – they shall miss him.”

John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and a  former head of policy at Camden Council, echoed their views, adding: “He has been part of every progressive campaign I have known of. There are people who won’t know it but have roofs over their heads and have had good educations in Camden because of Dave Horan.”

Cllr Horan had Irish ancestry and became involved in the campaign to free the Guildford Four. Mr McDonnell recalled how after another appeal to get their case looked at again had failed, Cllr Horan had spoken up at a meeting where there was a feeling of dejection among those fighting for justice. Mr McDonnell said: “He was very serious about this and never gave up. There was a period where those working for the Guildford Four just thought they would never win. Someone asked what the British really liked the most, and the answer came back: cricket.”

Those working on the campaign decided to dig up cricket squares to get publicity. Mr McDonnell said: “Dave, of course, did the first one.”

Labour Councillor Sue Vincent also spoke. She remembered his friendship. She said: “He was always there for you.”

Seven former Labour mayors, including Gerry Williams, the borough’s first black mayor, were also in the pews of the packed chapel, along with Holborn and St Pancras MP Frank Dobson and current councillors from across the benches.

Dave’s life outside the Town Hall chamber or union meeting room was also well represented. 

Landlord Pat Hogue from the Sheephaven Bay pub in Mornington Crescent; Henry Conlon from The Dublin Castle; and Patrick and Margaret Quinn from Quinn’s on Kentish Town Road paid their respects, as did scores of friends and neighbours. 

Mrs Quinn said: “He was a simply wonderful friend and human being – we will all miss him.”