A son who inspired only goodness and love

25 February 2009

Matthew d’Ancona reflects on the death of Ivan Cameron and the transformative impact this little boy had upon the man who will probably be our next Prime Minister

In most cases, one finds that there is a formative event that moulds a political leader and acts as the fulcrum of his or her life. For Tony Blair, it was the stroke suffered by his father Leo that persuaded him of the precariousness of human life and the vulnerability of individuals, and edged him towards the Labour party. In Mr Cameron’s case, there is no doubt that the birth of Ivan, the challenges that followed, and the deep love he felt for his elder son had a tremendous impact upon his public as well as his private life.

He knew, of course, how fortunate and privileged his upbringing and early career had been — Eton, Oxford, political stardom. But, with Ivan, I think he grasped fully and without bitterness how capricious life could be, and how precious it was. Those who saw him with his elder son were always struck by how tender and tactile was their relationship, how close their bond. ‘I’m not an angel and neither is Samantha,’ he insisted in his book of interviews with Dylan Jones. Of course not: but Ivan deepened in him a sense of broader responsibility to the vulnerable. Cameron had always been a One Nation Tory in the sense that he believed that the NHS and the education system should be world-class public services and not just a safety net. But what blossomed within him was something more: not just noblesse oblige, but a genuine interest in how a Tory prime minister could help the weakest members of society. At the heart of what he now calls ‘progressive Conservatism’ is a profoundly personal and private narrative.

It is much too glib to say that Ivan Reginald Ian Cameron’s indirect legacy will be the things that his father tries to do if he becomes Prime Minister next year. That is not how the world works. But, as shockingly brief as this child’s life was, he brought light to the lives of all those around him, and those who will always remember him: prime amongst them, his father. To see the boy, one need only look at the man.

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Andreas

February 26th, 2009 2:22pm Report this comment

I know it has been said before, but still, no one should have to bury their child.

Really sad.

Paul B

February 26th, 2009 4:50pm Report this comment

Eric Clapton said it best.

Tears in Heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven
I'll find my way, through night and day
Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven

Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knee
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tears_in_Heaven

(instrumental)

Beyond the door
There's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more...
Tears in heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Barry, Poole.

February 26th, 2009 5:27pm Report this comment

I only recently discovered this site and was really impressed. I agree with most of what's said here. After reading this mawkish, brownnosing drivel I have decided to remove the link from my favorites. This is a sad but private matter. Using this childs death as propaganda for your beloved party leader is absolutely revolting. Goodbye.

Sue Hicks

February 27th, 2009 1:46pm Report this comment

Great article - ruined by forgetting in the penultimate line that he has two parents - why does someone always have to be prime in a man's world

Ben T (Australia)

February 28th, 2009 10:19pm Report this comment

Re: Little Ivan. To Quote Oscar Wilde: "One must have a heart of stone to read the death of little Nell without laughing."

Graham

February 28th, 2009 10:54pm Report this comment

'progressive Conservatism' - who the hell would want to vote for that? Sounds like a wishy washy nothingness to me while you all wait for your doomsday in comfy slippers and a head tilt. You need another Thatcher or good-bye.

Estelle Shields

March 1st, 2009 2:09am Report this comment

To be predeceased by a child is the most ghastly thing that can befall a parent, the gravest disruption of the natural order and a form of pain that can scarcely be imagined by others. The author is not the parent of a disabled child. The most ghastly and unimaginable pain that can befall a parent is predeceasing a disabled (usually adult) child and leaving him/her to cope alone in a service system without a place, in a country that couldn't care less. I live in Australia.

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