I dont think Bob Crow was exceptional in terms of his passion and desire to do well for his members. There are countless union members, shop stewards and leaders who share those traits - but slightly more quietly!!

But in 2014 post Maggie Britain, virtually no union leader has access to a huge switch, that in a second can paralyse London - and much of the UK - This is where the link to the 1970s is - not the man, but the RMT's absolute power to disrupt.

Did he exercise that power responsibly? Well with commuters such as me still sensitive over recent strikes, it might not feel like it. But there have been very few 'all out' tube strikes in recent years, so I really dont know.

As for his greatness, I dont buy it. He was a bog standard 'brother' union leader, but one with exceptionally disruptive tactics at his fingertips. Whether this makes him a selfish greedy man, or a first class comrade, depends I suppose, what side of the train drivers door you are sitting

Bob Crowe followed in quick succession by Tony Wedgwood Benn..

Conviction left wing politics has lost two of its own. Both were good orators whether you agreed with the politics or not. Both stood for what they believed in and never took the easy way(particularly Wedgewood Benn (elevated to the Lords).

No one will shed a tear when Scargill goes. As a supposed socialist he did more to destroy jobs in this Country than any politician has!!