Lazarus Only Done It Once: The Story of My Lives - Hardcover

Lally, Pat

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002571404 ISBN 13: 9780002571401

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2000

Synopsis

The dramatic story of how the powerful political machine of New Labour, which had just delivered a landslide election victory, took on Glasgow’s highest-profile politician, Pat Lally.

Pat Lally was born in Glasgow’s Gorbals which was at the time among the most overcrowded and deprived communities in Europe. After serving in the RAF during the war he joined the Labour Party, determined to make a positive difference. Over the years he has worked tirelessly to transform both the reality and the image of his city – he has succeeded on both fronts.

A great character and a brilliant local politician, he has made numerous comebacks from apparent political ‘death’ during the course of a colourful career – hence the ‘Lazarus’ tag. He eventually became Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow – the most distinguished post the city had to offer. He was also the only European to be an honorary citizen of the Chinese city of Dalian and was awarded the Order of Merit by Jacques Chirac.

Then, in 1997, prompted by an accusation from the then leader of Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Labour Party machine rolled into action, boldly promising to ‘root out sleaze’. A campaign of vilification through the media followed, at the hands of the political party which Pat Lally had loyally served for nearly half a century.

Lazarus Only Done It Once describes the extraordinary, sustained campaign against Pat Lally, the agonies that he and his family endured, his subsequent triumph in the courts, and how the spin doctors were sent home to think again.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Pat Lally was born in Glasgow's Gorbals which was at the time among the most overcrowded and deprived communities in Europe. After serving in the RAF during the war he joined the Labour Party, determined to make a positive difference. Over the years he has worked tirelessly to transform both the reality and the image of his city – he has succeeded on both fronts.

A great character and a brilliant local politician, he has made numerous comebacks from apparent political 'death' during the course of a colourful career – hence the 'Lazarus' tag. He eventually became Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow – the most distinguished post the city had to offer. He was also the only European to be an honorary citizen of the Chinese city of Dalian and was awarded the Order of Merit by Jacques Chirac.

Then, in 1997, prompted by an accusation from the then leader of Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Labour Party machine rolled into action, boldly promising to 'root out sleaze'. A campaign of vilification through the media followed, at the hands of the political party which Pat Lally had loyally served for nearly half a century.

'Lazarus Only Done It Once' describes the extraordinary, sustained campaign against Pat Lally, the agonies that he and his family endured, his subsequent triumph in the courts, and how the spin doctors were sent home to think again.

Synopsis:

Pat Lally, ex-Lord Provost of Glasgow is a local hero in the city - he was the prime mover behind the building of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow's victories as both European City of Culture and 1999 City of Architecture and Design, and many initiatives designed to better the lives of the inhabitants of Glasgow. A great character and a brilliant local politician, he has made numerous comebacks from apparent political "death" during the course of a colourful career, while his steadfast pursuit of what he believes to be best for Glasgow has made him friends and enemies on both sides of the political divide. His greatest challenge came when the Labour Party ordered an investigation into politically motivated allegations of sleaze at the heart of Glasgow city council during his time as leader of the council and his reign as Lord Provost. The worst moment of his political life came when, after a one-sided investigation and trial, he was suspended from the Labour Party. This is his story.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0002571404
• ISBN 13: 9780002571401
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256