Rabbitte and his hero: A study in resemblance

I LISTENED to Pat Rabbitte talk about historical figures he most admires on Newstalk radio last weekend.

What surprised me most was how one of the role models he selected, Big Jim Larkin, sounded just like the current leader of the Labour Party. According to Deputy Rabbitte, Big Jim was known for his “temper” and was regarded as “difficult” to work with.

He was also involved in many rows and splits in the Transport and General Workers’ Union, leading a walkout to form his own band of followers.