Date of Birth: February 27, 1941
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: December 22, 2018
Biography
Jeremy John Durham Ashdown, better known as Paddy Ashdown, was a renowned British politician and diplomat. Born on February 27, 1941, in New Delhi, India, Ashdown was the son of a British Army officer. After spending his early years in India, his family returned to the United Kingdom, where he was educated at Bedford School and later at the Britannia Royal Naval College. Ashdown joined the Royal Marines and served as a commando officer, which included a stint with the Special Boat Service. Following his military career, he transitioned to a role as a diplomat, working in the British Foreign Service. His foray into politics began in earnest when he joined the Liberal Party, which later became the Liberal Democrats. In 1983, Ashdown was elected as the Member of Parliament for Yeovil, a position he held until 2001. He became the leader of the Liberal Democrats in 1988 and revitalized the party, making significant strides in both national and local elections. After stepping down as party leader in 1999, Ashdown continued to contribute to public life, including serving as the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2002 to 2006, where he played a pivotal role in the post-war reconstruction and stabilization of the region. Ashdown authored several books, including his autobiography “A Fortunate Life”. He was highly regarded for his passionate and articulate advocacy on a range of issues, from human rights to military intervention.
5 Interesting Facts about Paddy Ashdown
1. Paddy Ashdown was fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
2. He was nicknamed “Action Man” due to his military background and dynamic political style.
3. Ashdown was appointed as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) for his services in Bosnia.
4. He once worked as a youth worker and community relations adviser before entering full-time politics.
5. Ashdown was a skilled martial artist, holding a black belt in judo.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paddy Ashdown
1. “It was a privilege to serve the people of Yeovil for so many years.”
2. “We must be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.”
3. “I am not a pacifist. I believe in the right of self-defense and the necessity of military intervention in the face of genocide.”
4. “Leadership is not about being liked; it is about making the right decisions.”
5. “The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Paddy Ashdown’s net worth was estimated to be around £1 million.
Children
Paddy Ashdown had two children with his wife Jane Courtenay: a son named Simon Ashdown and a daughter named Katharine Ashdown.
Relevant Links
1. [Paddy Ashdown – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddy_Ashdown
2. [BBC News – Obituary: Paddy Ashdown](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46662546
