John Button has died.

[Matilda]

Former Labor Senator John Button has died of cancer in Melbourne, at the age of 74.

From the ABC website:

"He served as the Minister for Industry and Commerce under Labor prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating and played a key role in opening up car manufacturing to foreign competition.

He was also the man who tapped Labor leader Bill Hayden on the shoulder and paved the way for Mr Hawke to become Prime Minister in 1983.

Today Mr Hawke said Mr Button was a great parliamentarian, a great minister and a great political operator.

He said he, more than anyone else, was responsible for getting Labor into office."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/08/2210637.htm


I always liked John Button - he was very direct, knew what needed to be done and did it, but
managed to come across as sharp, but not ruthless. He also had a wonderful sense of humour, and
a dry wit, and seemed to be respected by both sides of Parliament.

R.I.P. John Button.

[Esra Star]

1. Yes, I am going to miss John. He turned up on radio every

now and then and made good sense. As per usual.
His style probably had alot to do with his stature.
He had to be very aware, from a very early age, that he had
to be very diplomatic. He was never going to get anywhere
trying to stand over people, so he became good at being calm and persuasive.

Bon voyage