Reply #8: A couple of nice annecdotal tributes to Gwyneth Dunwoody I found online....

[Morris Onions]

The first is from Labour MP Paul Flynn,

Parliament is bereaved.

-excerpt-

On a flight from New York to Seattle in the early nineties, I sat next to Gwyneth in the forward seats of the plane. Some of our more excitable colleagues were sitting in the back. Before the plane took off, Gwyneth asked to see the Chief Steward. She introduced me as Doctor Flynn and herself as Professor Dunwoody. She pointed out two of our colleagues and explained “ Dr Flynn and I are carrying out an experiment on what we call in the United Kingdom ‘Care in the Community’. Those two people are from an institution and we are monitoring their behaviour on this experimental trip. Don’t worry they are not dangerous as long as they do not consume alcohol.’ The Chief Steward was aghast. ‘Give them drinks by all means’ Gwyneth urged ‘but no alcohol.’ She had an air of sublime authority that convinced the crew. Halfway into the journey we heard a British accent behind us complain ‘What’s this horse piss they’re serving us?’

http://paulflynnmp.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/04/gwynne...


The second is from Tory Nadine Dorries. Surprisingly, I find this one especially touching,


Behind the Chamber there is a room with a big oak door which says 'Lady Members' on a brass plaque.

Behind the door is a tiny room with a sofa and a yellow chair.

The chair is known as Gwyneth's chair and no one dared sit in it.

From that chair Gwyneth dispensed advice and kindness to other Lady Members. To those who were pregnant and those who were just plain fed up.

She was above party politics and treated us all the same.

When I arrived I was scared stiff of her. When I was told by another member 'not to sit in that seat' I was even more so.

On the first day I walked into the room and she was sitting in the chair I wanted to reverse, but I couldn't, it would have been too obvious. I proceeded and sat down, head up.

I swear she knew how I felt because she lifted her head up, didn't say a word and gave me a knowing smile.

She was lovely from that moment in.

The room smells of her perfume.

That chair will have to be replaced, no one will sit in it again.

http://www.dorries.org.uk/Blogs/2008/Apr/18#18