RIP Charles Kennedy

[Hamilton]

Can only add my voice to those so far - he came across as a principled, fair and likeable man. We've lost one of the good ones.

 

[piersa]

Always liked him when I saw him on tv. Never came across as insincere, unlike so many of the MPs

 

[BigGully]

I bumped into him once - in a pub.

And how many party leaders can you say that about?

His "drink problem" has been flagged up for years as an "issue". But wouldn't it be better if ALL politicians could freely admit to having personal problems just like regular folk do?

I liked him ....... but I am not sure he freely admitted anything, he was no doubt exposed by other politicians or press.

 

[blue'n'white]

Seemed like a decent man
Best leader the Lib Dems ever had
RIP

 

[Beach Hut]

RIP, far too early to go

 

[Tom Bombadil]

I always rather liked him. there was an air of humanity about him that is sadly missing n so many politicians

 

[smudge]

I bumped into him once - in a pub.

And how many party leaders can you say that about?

His "drink problem" has been flagged up for years as an "issue". But wouldn't it be better if ALL politicians could freely admit to having personal problems just like regular folk do?

I once bumped into Paddy Ashdown in a pub, when he was a leader; the Good Companion in Plymouth to be precise. I would suggest that there's good chance of bumping into the leader of UKIP in a pub also.

As others have said, Charles Kennedy always seemed to me a decent bloke, RIP

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

I agree he was a principled man and Found him a likeable character. Let us not forget Robin Cook, however, who resigned over the Iraq War.

John Denham also resigned quietly and without fuss over the Iraq War. He has not died, but he stood down at this election. His seat went to the Conservatives, and I think there is a fair chance he would have held it if he had carried on.

That is not, though, to take away from Charles Kennedy, who always seemed to have the courage of his convictions.

 

[soistes]

Most moving tribute so far, IMO
http://www.alastaircampbell.org/blo...olitician-a-great-friend-with-a-shared-enemy/

 

[Pavilionaire]

Incredibly sad news. Getting divorced and being separated from your young son, losing your mother, then your father and then your job - all in the space of 5 years.

What's particularly sad is that he had so much more to contribute to the world of politics. He could easily have had a distinguished career in the House of Lords, journalism, as a political advisor.

 

[On the Left Wing]

My thoughts on an amazing guy:
https://seagullnic.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/charles-kennedy-1959-2015/

 

[Greyrun]

Incredibly sad news. Getting divorced and being separated from your young son, losing your mother, then your father and then your job - all in the space of 5 years.

What's particularly sad is that he had so much more to contribute to the world of politics. He could easily have had a distinguished career in the House of Lords, journalism, as a political advisor.

If he had not drunk his marriage may have survived and helped him to cope with the loss of his parents and career.Shows the power of addiction when someone so intelligent and with so many good things in his life cannot control his drinking.So sad it had to end this way.

 

[Pavilionaire]

If he had not drunk his marriage may have survived and helped him to cope with the loss of his parents and career.Shows the power of addiction when someone so intelligent and with so many good things in his life cannot control his drinking.So sad it had to end this way.

You're not wrong. It's a sobering thought.

 

[Nibble]

Was listening to a program about him on the radio earlier. Saying that he was a very young MP, came down from Scotland and was, as many are, obliged to spend long hours killing time in Westminster, he, as many do, spent a lot of time in the social bars there which is where he developed a heavy drinking habit. Very sad and I always had time to listen to him on various broadcasts, came across as very human who could perhaps have benefitted from more pastoral care as a young MP, far from home with a lot of time on his hands and a lot of pressure to deal with. A good man by all accounts.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I bumped into him once - in a pub.

And how many party leaders can you say that about?

Nigel Farage?

 

[Hampster Gull]

Good guy

Good politican

RIP

 

[Gregory2Smith1]

Charles Kennedy

Top Bloke

RIP

 

[spring hall convert]

The good ones tend to unite people. RIP Charles.

 

[Alex Alex Dawson oo! oo!]

Nigel Farage?

Only if there's a camera crew present too.