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Charles Kennedy

(180 Posts)
Gracesgran Tue 02-Jun-15 07:25:56

Very sad to hear of the death of Charles Kennedy. A brave and very human man whose humanity both made him the a very able politician, in touch with people, and caused his demons. Originally a member of the SDP, his bravery during the Iraq crisis lead to him leading the Lib Dems to their greatest number of MPs since the 1920s.

granjura Tue 02-Jun-15 21:39:54

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.

loopylou Tue 02-Jun-15 20:50:41

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.

granjura Tue 02-Jun-15 18:17:49

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.

Iam64 Tue 02-Jun-15 13:46:05

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.

merlotgran Tue 02-Jun-15 13:03:17

A terrible shame. His poor family. sad

Tegan Tue 02-Jun-15 12:57:32

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

janerowena Tue 02-Jun-15 12:56:14

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.

NanKate Tue 02-Jun-15 11:57:17

How very sad. flowers

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

trisher Tue 02-Jun-15 11:36:57

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.

annodomini Tue 02-Jun-15 11:26:25

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.

FarNorth Tue 02-Jun-15 11:26:17

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

Gracesgran Tue 02-Jun-15 11:10:51

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

Brendawymms Tue 02-Jun-15 09:44:47

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?

Anniebach Tue 02-Jun-15 09:34:24

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

NfkDumpling Tue 02-Jun-15 09:33:24

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.

Riverwalk Tue 02-Jun-15 09:29:01

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

J52 Tue 02-Jun-15 09:14:01

Politician*

J52 Tue 02-Jun-15 09:13:32

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

whitewave Tue 02-Jun-15 09:13:30

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

AshTree Tue 02-Jun-15 09:09:37

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.

Teetime Tue 02-Jun-15 09:08:41

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

Eloethan Tue 02-Jun-15 09:02:52

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

Jane10 Tue 02-Jun-15 08:46:04

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.

grannyonce Tue 02-Jun-15 07:57:17

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

PRINTMISS Tue 02-Jun-15 07:51:21

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