Fergus Finlay: Three uncompromising women who delivered lasting change

People, especially women, who fight for change may be labelled as trouble — but they're the ones who make things happen

Twin sisters and long-time campaigners Ann and Margaret Kennedy picketing Government Buildings about home help hours in 2012. Margaret has joined a select band of people honoured by the Church of England with a Langton Award for her work pursuing perpetrators of clerical abuse. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Tue, 06 Jul, 2021 - 12:46

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

Three remarkable women. I’ve known two of them for a couple of years, and one of them for a long time. They have a lot in common, in how they think and what they believe in. Each of them deserves a full biography.

I’ve believed all my life that the single most important characteristic in a politician is that you should know at a glance whose side they’ll be on in a battle. It can be the most challenging characteristic too — that’s why an awful lot of politicians spend as much time as possible trying to be on everyone’s side. Politicians of obvious conviction and clearly expressed values can have a harder time of it. They’re expected to trim and fudge if they want to get on.