For many years we've waited
For the power to elect
"One of ourselves" who knows the People's wants
And in the House of Commons
Among the favoured and select,
Would his duty do in spite of all their taunts.
Chorus: For we have no doubt or fear
But march forward, persevere,
Neither turning to the left or to the right;
And the brighter day that's dawning,
We will hail it with a cheer
And for "Billany" the working-man we'll fight.
(From Mark Hasting's 'Radical Songs for Working Men, Specially Composed for Election Meetings in support of Mr N.B.Billany)
Neiles Boynton Billany. Dan's great-grandfather was a champion of Hull's working men and the first weekly waged man to stand for Parliament. A drinking fountain was erected in West Park to honour his memory.
Dan Billany's maternal grandmother.
Dan described her as 'an angel because she was a constant support to his family in the early days when they were struggling against poverty and ill health.