Charles Kennedy

Yes, I always admired his integrity and am saddened by his early death

I agree gracesgran. Very sad news.

Very sad news, terrible for his family to lose someone at such a young age.

So sad for a man who gave a lot. Thoughts for his family.

very sad - he looked so obviously unwell at the general election where sadly he lost his seat to the SNP.

Very sorry to have lost this unusual man. He had the ability to communicate a rare integrity in the murky world of politics. I wish there were more like him.

I was so shocked to read this. I really liked him.

Its very sad I understand he had a young son too. I thought Paddy Ashdown's comments about him very sensitive and apt.

I too was sorry to read this news this morning. He was such a lovely person, with that rare quality in a politician - humility. His poor family, how dreadful for them to lose him so young.

One of the few who stood against the Iraq war. And who voted against coalition with the Tories - good judgement, sad loss.

How sad. He was a dedicated politican and leaves a young family. Tragic.

Politician*

I was very shocked and saddened to hear this news - he seemed a decent chap.

Oh, I hadn't heard. That's awful. He was a lovely man and will be sorely missed. Sincere men like him are few and far between in politics.

So sorry to learn of his death, but not surprised , now he has peace

I'm sorry that he has died so young. A politician that was honest and direct. He also was a very heavy drinker and the loss of his seat after 32 years must have been a savage blow.
He started his political career in the SNP. Has Nicola Sturgeon said anything today?

Nicola Sturgeon has Tweeted : "Sad beyond words to hear the news about Charlie Kennedy. A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time. Gone too soon." Brendawymms

Ms Sturgeon has also posted a tribute to Charles Kennedy on www.firstminister.gov.scot

What a shock it was to hear of Charles's death. I admired his stance against the Iraq invasion and agreed with his opposition to coalition. He was a great speaker and raconteur whom I met at one of our party dinners. Affable and principled - a combination not always found in a politician.

So sad. Another honest politician of the highest calibre gone. The liars, the dodgy and the dishonest ones go on. He always seemed to speak from the heart, not just repeating what the spin doctors gave him. He had a problem but that made him more human. Sympathy, care and concern for his family.

How very sad.

Charles Kennedy was described by a friend as a 'gregarious loner'.

I really liked him too. How sad. I always hoped that he would be pm one day, but as soon as his drinking problem emerged I knew it could never happen.

I hope the people in his constituency now feel ashamed not to have voted for him, whatever the reason . A truly decent man. Like Robin Cook, a man of principle and integrity, taken from the world far too soon.

A terrible shame. His poor family.