Background
Ashdown, Paddy was born on February 27, 1941 in New Delhi. Son of John and Lois Ashdown.
(Amid stories of doom and gloom, in 1993 Paddy Ashdown set...)
Amid stories of doom and gloom, in 1993 Paddy Ashdown set off to see for himself what was going on in Britain. He travelled up and down the country - from Cornwall to Orkney - spending time on housing estates, in schools and factories, with social workers and policemen, working alongside miners, dustmen, farmers and fishermen, talking to pensioners, gay rights activists, town planners, schoolchildren. And he discovered an astonishing and unexpected fund of strength, courage and resourcefulness. This book is a journal of his travels and paints a vivid portrait of Britain today. All is far from well - the recession has hit hard and daily life for millions is a struggle. But time and time again, the author was struck by the way that local communities have found ways forward, ingenious solutions to problems that from Westminster look insoluble.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/067171340X/?tag=2022091-20
Ashdown, Paddy was born on February 27, 1941 in New Delhi. Son of John and Lois Ashdown.
Graduate, Bedford School.
Commissioned 2nd lieutenant Royal Marines, 1959, advanced through grades to captain, 1969, resigned, 1971. 1st secretary United Kingdom Mission to United Nations, Geneva, 1971-1976. With commercial manager's department Westlands Group (Normalair Garrett), Yeovil, England, 1976-1978.
Manager Tescan (Morlands' subs), 1978—1981. Youth worker Dorset County Council Youth Service, 1982-1983. Member parliament House of Commons, London, 1983—2001.
Leader Liberal Democrats, 1988-1999. Retired, 2001; high representative Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002—2006. European Union special representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002—2006.
Liberal candidate Yeovil, 1979. Appointed spokesman on trade and industry affairs House Commons Liberal/SDP Alliance, 1983-1986. Spokesman on education and science, 1987-1988.
Spokesman on Northern Ireland Social and Liberal Democrats, 1988-1991. Appointed privy councillor, 1989-1999.
(Amid stories of doom and gloom, in 1993 Paddy Ashdown set...)
Member National Liberal Club.
Married Jane Courtney. Children: Kate, Simon.