Martin Keenan RIP

In 2019 Martin received the Keir Hardie Award
 from the Scottish Labour Party

Today we said farewell to Martin Keenan.  Martin was a long-term chair of Dundee Labour Party.  He also served as President of the Scottish Trades' Union Congress.  Martin was a long-standing member and activist in the CWU and its predecessors.  Many of the tributes to Martin have focussed on his contribution to the political and industrial wings of the Labour movement but we should remember Martin was proudest of his family.  

I have known Martin for over twenty years and I was pleased to serve as Secretary of  Dundee Labour Party with Martin as the Chair.  Martin was committed to the Labour movement and to being a strong voice for working people.

It was fitting that Martin contribution to the trade union movement was recognised by his election as President of the STUC.  Trade unionists recognised in Martin someone who was committed to fighting for the workers and to the creation of a fairer society.

Martin was a great Dundee United fan and was involved with the Arab Trust and plans to gives the fans a say in the ownership of the club.  Martin was also active with the charity the Inclusion Group.

Martin was responsible for the Burns Supper which his Labour Party branch organised every year.  I am lucky enough to have spoken a few times at the Burns Supper.  I shall miss that fear that grips you when Martin phoned early in the year to ask you to either give the Immortal Memory or the Toast to the Lassies.

Most importantly Martin was one of the good guys.  I want to express my condolences to Martin's friends and family.