Charles Kennedy

Will have to watch the BBC news at 10 (well 11 here)- again, such a shame. I wonder how much he was affected by the Lib-Dem terrible results- as he worked so hard for them and what he believed.

They're just saying he died suddenly granjura, at home. I hadn't realised he was divorced from his wife (2010 apparently).

He seemed such a genuine man, so rare in politics.

How terrible. Do they know what happened?

I once wrote to him about my change of heart about Proportional representation- as I felt it would enable the National Front (at the time before UKIP) to get representation. I was truly surprised to get a 3 page reply from him- staing why he felt PR was the only way to go, and the only way to true democracy. I think that letter from the House of Commons got lost in our move- but I was so impressed with his clarity fo thought and the fact he had bothered to reply himself with such a lengthy and interesting answer.

A politician with integrity,intelligence, compassion, intelligence and humour. I admired his stance on the Iraq war and always felt he said what he meant, rather than following some party line or wanting to please. Much liked it seems in parliament. He has a young son and his family will be of course, heart broken.

A terrible shame. His poor family.

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.

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.

How very sad.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

Politician*

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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