General Chat

That is the Headlines please see below. Pat x

I have always liked Charles Kennedy, I obviously do not share his political views, but I believe he is a genuine person and now I can admire his honesty too. Pat x Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy has called a leadership contest after admitting he has been battling with a drink problem. He said he was determined to carry on as leader but wanted to give party members the 'final say'. He has faced growing calls to quit as leader with 11 frontbenchers reportedly saying they had lost confidence in him. Deputy leader Menzies Campbell, who had been favourite to take over the top job, said he would not run against Kennedy. Mr Kennedy is believed to have called a press conference to admit his drink problem 'within an hour' of being confronted with detailed allegations by reporters. In a personal statement at Lib Dem HQ in Westminster, he said he had not had a drink for two months and did not intend to have another one.

Hardly a revelation, but wish him all the best.

Daniel its not supposed to be a revelation its a man facing his demons I hope he wins the contest to stay leader if he is capable. Pat x

I feel sorry for his baby son only months old and his wife. Rosalyn

i dont really like the man as a politician but i feel for him on this, at least his admitting to his addiction and will hopefully get the help he needs.

Well lets hope he stays dry Rosalyn he has everything to keep dry for I wish anyone struggling with such things the best. Pat x

Exactly Roxanne and Gwynne that's why I have put this thread up as I admire the fact that he is fighting this. Such a terrible thing to have to face having a wife and young baby there has got to make the difference. Pat x

Yes Pat, I thein he is a good politition, (not my colour though) and probably an honest one (or the nearest thing to it if poss). Good luck to himself and his family who must be supporting him as his wife would probably have left before now. We all know that thank God we are not living in the 1900s when it was so difficult for women to obtain a divorce and keep the children.

He's the sort of polatition i dont like, went to uni, then straight into polatics, never had a real job, so has limited life experiance, glad to see him gone.

Yes Lynda I was reading that I wonder were the advisors advising him to keep hush hush when it was already common knowldedge. As I said I admire honesty so I didn't realise he had come out directly and said no before, that is such a shame, I agree with you again he should have not commented rather than lie. There would have to be a loss of trust there now :-( I would be surprised if he remains leader myself pity really. Lets hope his personal life improves and he loses no more than just the Liberal Leadership. Pat x

To be replaced by another just the same Gary ;-) Gerry as I said not my political persuasion either still I liked him as an opposition to the Tories and the Labour held himself well. Pat x

Sorry Gary meant to say I agree with you wish all these types would spend sometime in the real world then they would have more idea what people really want from their leaders. Wish I could get that Radio 5 live must try listenting on the computer think thats the only way thanks for that lynda :-))) No it sounds very bad I am disappointed. Pat x

Not my colour politically . The man has to go. Not because he has a drink problem but because he lied about it. It has been common knowledge in the media for a long time and they have been throwing out hints. I really hope he can sort his problems out. He has my sympathy. Jean x.

interesting thread pat, however,i would like to make a few observations. is there a politician,that hasen't lied,including the prime minister. the line walked,between a social drinker,and a alcoholic is extremely fine...there,but for the grace of god etc. why do we,as a nation,get pleasure out of kicking someone,when they are trying to get up off the floor. bryan.

You can get R 5 Live on Sky Chanel 855 David

Bryan, I wasn't kicking Charles Kennedy when he is down. I have nothing but sympathy for him and hope he can solve his problems. The one thing above all that I think a politician should be is honest and just because many have lied in the past it shouldn't become acceptable. When caught out in a lie they should take the consequences. Jean x.

The first time I remember him being tackled about this was probably about a couple of years ago now (maybe more?) in an interview with Paxman for Newsnight, and Paxman got stuck into him angrily forcing him on the defensive, so certainly it's a story that's been circulating within the media for some time. As a person, I sympthasise with his plight but politically I think he's finished as Lib Dem leader as I'm struggling to see how the 'has he/hasn't he had a drink' question will go away from this point onwards.

I like Charles Kennedy but I think he's done as Lib Dem leader.

lynda,i wasn't referring to anyone on this thread,my thoughts were more with the media. bryan.