Ex-Labor leader Simon Crean a ‘formidable adversary’: John Howard

John Howard has remembered former Labor leader Simon Crean as a ‘formidable adversary’ who held firm in his beliefs, after he died suddenly at 74.

Former prime minister John Howard has remembered former Labor leader Simon Crean as a “formidable adversary” who held firm in his beliefs, after he died suddenly at 74.

Mr Howard, who was prime minister during Mr Crean’s time as Labor leader from 2001-2003 and deputy leader from 1998- 2001, said he “liked and respected” the union leader, as leaders from across the political divide tribute to his legacy.

Mr Crean died suddenly on Sunday while on a business trip to Germany, leading to an outpouring of grief for the former president of the ACTU.

“I was sorry to learn of Simon Crean‘s sudden death in Germany,” Mr Howard said.

“His loss will be keenly felt throughout the broad labour movement, to which he dedicated so much of his life. He was a formidable adversary who I both liked and respected.

“Never surrendering his true Labor beliefs, he could work in a bipartisan way when the national interest needed it.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the sudden passing of the Labor stalwart had left many in the ranks in shock, remembering him for the guidance he ­offered to his colleagues.

“Simon was always so very generous to me in terms of the ­advice and support that he gave,” he said.

“And I think that is representative of the feeling that so many of us feel in this place about the role that Simon played. We are all in a state of shock about the news.”

Peter Dutton said Mr Crean was a “very significant Australian”, describing his sudden death as “a big loss for our country and the labour movement”.

“Simon was someone we worked closely with in the parliament. He was a leader of the Labor Party and he was a very decent human being, a very honourable person. You could shake hands with Simon and knew that he would honour his word,” the Opposition Leader said.

“I had a great deal of respect for him and I’m very saddened and shocked by his passing.”