Charles Kennedy

I like what Tom Watson did.

He spoke directly to Kennedy’s son, saying: “Your father was a very great man. He stood up for what he believed in, he led a party of the centre-left with dignity and compassion and when you are older you will know your mum and dad believed in a cause greater than themselves and you will be proud.”

Brilliant politician - a rare human being who was able to combine a political and humane stance. A very courageous man and a sad loss.

That's why Alastair Campbell's article needs reading. They were helping each other. He knew his weaknesses but his strengths too.

When someone dies and we do not know the cause of death but knew the person smoked do we refer constantly to their smoking addiction? Unless the cause of his death is said to be alcohol related why the need to keep referring to it? I find no problem in paying tribute to the man without the need to refer to his drink problem , surely a tribute isn't meant to rake up weaknesses and or faults

I agree Ana, and feel uneasy about the constant references to his alcoholism but it was a factor in him losing the leadership and in his divorce. I don't feel it's possible to pay tribute to CK as so many people are doing,without acknowledging his was dependent on alcohol. So many people's lives and families are devastated by alcoholism and it's rare that someone suffering from this disease is as universally respected and liked as CK has been.

I agree, Anniebach. I'm not sure it's helpful to keep mentioning his alcoholism, either.

His father died in April, he lost his seat after 32 years and saw his party almost demolished , a lot for anyone to deal with

Don't think at any point I "blamed the government" Charles Kennedy made no secret of his dislike of Tory policies and it was this I referred to. The devastating effect of coalition on the Liberal party surely can't be disputed. If you regard this as "blaming the government" merlotgran then so be it but that is your conclusion, not what I said.

Not blaming the government but sickened by people being so disloyal to someone who pretty much devoted his life to them. They say he was ok about it happening but imo it broke his heart. Some people are alcoholics because they put so much into their work that it's the only way they can wind down; can't help but feel he was one of those people.

Agree, Merlotgran.

Nobody is to blame. He was an alcoholic. Sad that he couldn't conquer his demons but blaming the government?

Sorry don't think blaming his constituents is appropriate here. He was probably more upset by the 5 years of coalition with a party he hated and the resulting devastation of the Liberal party he loved in the general election. Personal disappointment might have affected him but probably wasn't his main concern.

MPs are paying tribute to him now on BBC Parliament.

Charles Kennedy was one of the few politicians that I liked and had great respect for. So sad that his life has ended far too soon.

I too am so sad to hear of the death of Charles Kennedy and agree with Tegan that his constituents should be ashamed at having rejected him as their MP this time.
As well as all his other fine qualities he had the guts to speak out against sending troops into Iraq when both the other leaders were in favour. He also had the courage to admit to his alcohol problem and his efforts to overcome it which I think earned him great respect.

That was a beautiful tribute from Alistair Campbell, thanks for the link Grannyknot

I read that he did start with the SNP Jane and Nicola Sturgeon was very gracious about him when I heard her interviewed.

Do you mean you misread or that you read elsewhere kittylister. I did not comment yesterday when I replied to you because I just thought you had made a mistake and indeed, like most other politicians, NS had made a comment.

He joined the SDP while still at High School by the way.

Such terrible news, he was a good man whose life was blighted by alcoholism. I'm truly saddened by his death.

Alistair Campbell has written very movingly about Charles Kennedy and "a shared friendship based on a shared enemy - alcohol"....

www.alastaircampbell.org/blog/2015/06/02/charles-kennedy-a-lovely-man-a-talented-politician-a-great-friend-with-a-shared-enemy/

sorry meant NS

NC may have been gracious (she is an astute politician even if I personally find her irritating)
but :
blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2015/06/alex-salmonds-reaction-to-the-death-of-charles-kennedy-was-as-revealing-as-it-was-contemptible/

I read that he did start with the SNP Jane and Nicola Sturgeon was very gracious about him when I heard her interviewed.

Very sad news, he always seemed a lovely man,

brenda Charles Kennedy began his political career with the SDP, not the SNP.

I'm so sorry to hear this. A double tragedy that he died so young, but also that his life was blighted by alcohol.