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Shane MacGowan, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Lord Darling, Joan Jara

Matthew Bannister on singer Shane MacGowan, judge Sandra Day O’Connor, politician Lord Darling and campaigner Joan Jara.

Matthew Bannister on

Shane MacGowan the lead singer of The Pogues who was famous for his song writing but also his abuse of drugs and alcohol. His sister joins us to discuss the roots of his talent and his excesses.

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court.

Lord Darling, the Labour politician who was Chancellor during the financial crash of 2008.

Joan Jara, whose husband, the singer Victor Jara was killed by the Pinochet regime in Chile. She campaigned for justice on behalf of thousands whose relatives died or disappeared.

Interviewee: Siobhan MacGowan
Interviewee: James Fearnley
Interviewee: Justice Ruth McGregor
Interviewee: Alan Day
Interviewee: Catherine MacLeod
Interviewee: Almudena Bernabeu

Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies

Archive used:
Shane MacGowan interview, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two, Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer, First broadcast 16/03/2021; Sandra Day O’Connor , 60 Minutes, YouTube uploaded, 01/12/2023; Sandra Day O'Connor nomination to the Supreme Court by President Reagan, CBS, 19/08/1981; Sandra Day O’Connor interview, PBS Newshour, 04/04/2013. Supreme Court Ruling Bush v Gore, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Newsnight, 08/12/2000; Alistair Darling interview ,10 Years After the Financial Crash with Alistair Darling, RBS Events, YouTube uploaded, 25/09/2017; Chile News report. The World at One, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, 19/09/1973; Joan Jara interview, Woman’s Hour, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, 04/09/1988; Joan Jara interview, Weekend Woman’s Hour, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, 20/09/2003; Sandra Day O'Connor Retires, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ News, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, 01/07/2005;

Available now

28 minutes

Shane MacGowan

The lead singer of The Pogues who was famous for his song writing but also his abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Last Word spoke to Shane’s sister the author Siobhan MacGowan and his Pogues bandmate - the musician James Fearnley.
Born 25 December 1957, death announced 30 November 2023, aged 65.

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

The first woman to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.

Last Word spoke to her colleague Justice Ruth McGregor and her brother the author Alan Day.

Born 26 March 1930, died 1 December 2023, aged 93

Lord Darling of Roulanish - Alistair Darling

The Labour politician who was Chancellor during the financial crash of 2008.

Last Word spoke to his friend Catherine MacLeod.

Born November 28 1953, died November 30 2023, aged 70.

Joan Jara

The dancer whose husband, the singer Victor Jara was killed by the Pinochet regime in Chile. She campaigned for justice on behalf of thousands whose relatives died or disappeared.

Last Word spoke to Almudena Bernabeu, one the laywers who supported Joan’s decades-long fight for justice.

Born 20 July 20 1927, died 12 November 2023, aged 96.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 8 Dec 2023 16:00
  • Sun 10 Dec 2023 20:30

Podcast