MATTHEW HAWKINS relishes the valiant defiance of two gay Scottish painters whose example resists both collectors’ taste and historical fiction
Brendan Scott: The struggle for a socialist and secular Ireland
Excellent biography of inspirational figure on the left

LIKE so many influential revolutionaries, Irishman Brendan Scott (1933-73) threw himself into a lifelong and sustained involvement with what appears to have been a multitude of progressive and grassroots organisations.
Although keen to develop his politics electorally, Scott paid equal attention to strengthening struggles in the workplace and community and, inspiring respect from friend and foe alike, helped develop the Dublin Housing Action Committee, an early supporter for civil rights in the six counties.
He unapologetically admired James Connolly’s vision of an Ireland that was free, united and socialist.
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