Charles Kennedy
Charles Kennedy
Charles Peter Kennedywas a British Liberal Democrat politician, who was Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1999 to 2006 and a Member of Parliamentfrom 1983 to 2015, latterly for the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth25 November 1959
struggle opportunity should-have
Further Education should be about the ability to learn, not the ability to pay - everyone who is able should have the opportunity, regardless of their family background. I don't want to see students struggling with huge debts or frightened off even going to university in the first place.
taken decision needs
I want to see far more decisions taken far closer to the patients, the passengers and the pupils. Far more power for locally and regionally elected politicians who understand best the needs of their areas. And far more say too for the dedicated staff at all levels in health and education.
running party political
To run an effective political party you need a degree of tribalism, it's the glue that holds everyone together.
honesty simple justice
Three simple words - freedom, justice and honesty. These sum up what the Liberal Democrats stand for.
party self leader
Paddy Ashdown is the only party leader who's a trained killer. Although, to be fair, Mrs Thatcher was self taught.
skills britain immigrants
Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.
courage peculiar kind
Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.
definitely job provided time
To be seen to be human, provided you're doing your job at the same time, is definitely not a negative, not at all.
constitute history longest principles
Of all the principles which constitute Liberal Democracy, internationalism is the clearest, the most distinctive, and the one with the longest history.
based experience mutual respect special trust
The most special relationships, in my experience, are based on a combination of trust and mutual respect.
danger groups growing means
The growing influence of focus groups means we are all in danger of being excessively cowed by their feedback.
among boost front government line public servants valuing
Valuing public servants would boost morale among those on the front line of implementing government policy.
begins home life quality
Quality of life actually begins at home - it's in your street, around your community.
absolute corrupt country massive opinion power reflect secured subscribe view
I don't actually subscribe to the view that all power corrupts. But absolute power - when secured on the back of massive parliamentary majorities, which don't reflect the balance of political opinion in the country - can corrupt absolutely.