Mandate deeply saddened by the passing of Brendan Archbold

Mandate would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and comrades of former Mandate and IDATU official Brendan Archbold who sadly passed away last night.

Brendan was a tremendous advocate for workers’ rights in Ireland and internationally and was one of the key leaders in the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid strike during the 1980’s.

He was also a vocal supporter of the Palestinian people and a long standing member of the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s Global Solidarity Committee. His class awareness knew no bounds, in Ireland or abroad.

John Douglas, Mandate General Secretary said: “Brendan was a formidable trade union official and an exceptionally intelligent individual who brought huge energy to the trade union movement. He will be very sadly missed by all but his legacy, particularly within Mandate, will live on and we can look back in admiration at all of his achievements.”

Mr Douglas added: “Less than twelve months ago Brendan attended the funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, having played a significant role in Ireland’s fight against the apartheid regime that Mandela was also fighting. While it is sad that both are now at rest, we can be thankful for the time we had with them and the energy they both brought to the working class movement, and we should all endeavour to continue that battle ourselves.”