Liberal Democrats in Lincoln are thrilled with the news that Paddy Ashdown, who is visiting Lincoln Drill Hall on the evening of Wednesday, May 13th, has agreed to meet with them to discuss the rejuvenation of the party in the Lincoln constituency. Paddy, a leading Liberal Democrat for many years, will be taking part in the Lincoln Book Festival, on that evening.
Paddy Ashdown
Reg Shore, Parliamentary Candidate for Lincoln said, ‘There are very few international figures who are as well loved and respected as Paddy Ashdown and the fact that he’s coming to Lincoln and will be meeting with us will be a memorable experience for us all’.
Reg went on to say, ‘Paddy is known for many things but his wise stance during the Bosnian war is well remembered for he helped to highlight the plight of innocents, perhaps saving many lives in what was a most destructive and bitter war’.
Paddy, whose full name is Jeremy Ashdown, Baron Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, GCMG, KBE, PC , was born in India in 1941 and he is a British politician and international diplomat. He was MP for Yeovil from 1983 to 2001, and leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1988 until August 1999; later he was the International High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina from 27 September 2002 to 30 May 2006.
Interestingly, Paddy is an excellent linguist and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and several other languages. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG) in the New Year Honours 2006.
Anyone wishing to see Paddy and indeed many others renowned writers such as Michael Connelly and Alison Weir, might like to refer to the Book Festival Website: www.lincolnbookfestival.co.uk