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Tom Uren, the fighter who loved

Tom Uren's politics of peaceful revolution were moulded by trauma - the depression and years as a Japanese prisoner of war.

During his 31 years as a federal Labor MP of the left, ministries in the Whitlam and Hawke governments and deputy leadership of the party, Uren never abandoned his commitment to socialism and peace.

Though increasingly isolated as Labor became market oriented in the 1980s, he left important legacies - strengthened local government, regional centres and new agencies to protect the environment.

To some he was the conscience of the party, to others a self-indulgent political dinosaur.

Thomas Uren, who died early on Australia Day aged 93, was born on May 28, 1921 in the working class Sydney suburb of Balmain. The family later moved to Manly.

His father was often unemployed in the depression. His mother pawned household goods to pay the rent and went before a "committee of nice people" which decided if the family deserved welfare.

Uren left school at 13 to get what work he could.

A fine sportsman, he played Presidents Cup rugby league, was Freshwater Surf Club's junior champion and fought for the Australian heavyweight championship.

He joined up when war broke out.

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Tom Uren, the fighter who loved