He is a very dignified, thoughtful man who had a huge bearing on my own politics. I can remember he gave up his time to help me with my dissertation on the future of the Labour Party, it meant alot, and gave me a good chunk of his time.

Political beliefs aside, there is alot to be said by being a very welcoming person – Mr Murphy was always that for me.

Interestingly his political opponents have always directed their biggest attacks at other showier or more totemic figures, such as Peter Hain or Neil Kinnock.

Paul Murphy has so often been “under the radar” in Welsh politics. Yet his own party in Wales arguably prizes his intellect and analytical powers as more sure-footed than many of his contemporaries.

But he is so much more than a “safe pair of hands”, and this profile does him justice.

Perhaps a second recall from the political wilderness will happen. Maybe an international role would be the natural next step for one of the cleverest negotiators of the last twelve years.