General Chat

I was watching Charles Kennedy making the statement I thought he did very well putting his pont across. I wish he could stay and lead his party but I feel there are too many people against this & as usual the Media is in a frenzy to whip up public reaction which would more likely go against Mr Kennedy. Its such a shame Thank you all for your replies. Pat x

My heart goes out to anyone with an illness such as this, i have seen too many people excluded from the human race because of this illness. I for one wish him all the very best in his recovery. Shirley Ann.

I wish him all the best and would like to see him stay as leader for the time being. I understand what people are saying about him lying but he wasn't lying about anything political or about an affair as many others have done - he was lying about something he was unable to face up to as most people who have an addiction do. I'd like to see him have a chance to prove himself, though I imagine the newspapers will make that fairly impossible

So he has a drink problem - this is an illness - and he is not alone. According to the news tonight - liver problems arising from alcohol are on the increase and the consumption of drink is on the increase in England, Scotland and Wales whilst dropping everywhere else. I hope he manages to win the battle and all those who are in the same position. Ann

you have guessed it pat! anyhow, thatcher had blood on her hands(belgrano) blair has blood on his hands. the new conservative leader,sorry don't know his name,but i personally think,he has skeletons in his cupboard,which the media will open up,when they are ready,or when circulation is dwindling. there's a very old saying 'money is the root of all evil' and sometimes i believe that to be very prophetic. bryan.

Oh the woman was it Veronica lupinski or something like that to do with a dress? Pm then Bryan I am so nosey go on please lol :-) Pat x

best not pat,it had sexual cognotations :o) bryan.

Why not Bryan I don't see any reason you shouldn't reply is/ was he or not found of a drink or two or more ;-))) I shall read your comments with interest as I do everyone's. Feel Free Bryan I am here for a bit longer yet. Pat x

pat,i would love to reply to your comment about bill clinton,but i dare not :o) bryan.

I think there are lot of people who go into Politics end up having a drink problem if they haven't before. Same with weight problems many seem to expand width ways as time goes on, especially the lot in power here. I also heard that Winston Churchill had a drink problem I think these days Politicians just like anyone in the limelight are undr more scrutiny there was a lot less media coverage way back. Actors and Actresses had the Studio to protect them. Singers and groups had the Record labels to protect them. Politicians had a lot less interest taken in their private lives as they do now :-( I think I heard Bill Clinton likes his drink too lol. Pat x

Just heard on Sky News that George W Bush had a drink prob. David

Davo I agree - but surely its up to the members of his party, his colleagues, to get rid of him BEFORE he gets into a position to run the country?Not the press, who I always feel have a hidden, political, agenda. Yes, I read that Churchill 'liked a drink', and so did lots of other leaders, not just in this Country either. Olde Crone

As leader of a major political party, he is aiming to get enough MPs to form a government. I don't think we should have someone in that position who is an alchoholic, regardless of any other qualities he may have. Having said that, Did I read somewhere recently that Churchill had a drink prob? I may be wrong. David

I watched him - and thought - good on him - so many people even when faced with the proof will not admit they have a problem He has a child now - maybe THAT is what helped. I wish him the strength to cope - and his wife, the rest of family and friends strength also to get through this - I know what his wife is going through - was in that position in my last marriage

When this sort of thing comes out (as it always does) two things always amaze me: 1. That the 'liar' who is in such a prominent position, thinks he will get away with it. 2. That the Media go to such dogged lengths to find out and publicise these things. One of the main problems of alcoholism is denial, so no surprise that he denied it. However, as he is NOT leader of the country, I would have thought this was a matter better dealt with 'in party', not all over the media. I do admire him though, for pulling the rug on the Media, and on those who were perhaps working behind the scenes to create a scandal. The last time I remember this happening, was about 30 years ago, when Cyril Smith, the Liberal politician, announced (not admitted, announced) that he was Gay and so what??? I cheered! Olde Crone

That sounds brilliant Lynda ain't you the lucky one :-) Pity it wouldn't make the tea as well hey? lol. Thanks to all for their comments and thoughts I have to admit when I put this thread up I did not realise that Charles Kennedy had lied if I had done I would not have said anything about his honesty as he has been obviously dishonest. In order to beat his addiction the first thing he has to do is face them ignoring them or claiming he hasn't got them isn't any help. Pat x

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

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

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.

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.