Charles Kennedy

“Yes, you need substance in politics - but I think your style also says something about how you arrive at some of your conclusions.”

“Politicians are good at saying how Government must do more, but we must also think carefully about where Government should do less.”

“I happen to consider myself a Highlander even before a Scot; I am proud to be British yet feel comfortable as a European citizen.”

“As I spread my wings in politics, I discovered many Thatcher voters down south who were the same kind of people who loathed her in Scotland. They were puzzled by the Scots' antipathy, given the Falklands war and the strong militaristic history of the Highlands and elsewhere.”

“The quicker we get rid of the lobby system the better for all of us. I don't think in this day and age it is tenable to have these nods and winks, and on-the-record and off-the-record briefings.”

“Political parties need to look at the different kinds of support that people may need, suited to their way of life, and provide cost-effective solutions.”

“As Liberal Democrats and proponents of federalism, we must put our heads above the parapet and recapture and disseminate the true meaning of federalism. We have to win the vocabulary before we succeed in the vision.”

“When power is exercised exclusively at the centre, the result is rigidity of rules and alienation of the people subject to those rules.”

“Actually, I think it's quite sensible not to take yourself too seriously.”

“A smaller-size party and parliamentary membership does not necessarily equate to lesser demands; if anything, the opposite can be the case.”

“It's our job as Liberal Democrats to be an effective opposition - and an increasingly tough one as well.”

“The most special relationships, in my experience, are based on a combination of trust and mutual respect.”

“Public perception of the Westminster arena, with all its posturings, does little to engender a sense of voter belief.”

“Taking a principled and consistent stance over Iraq has attracted much criticism from our detractors and opponents.”

“There is always a temptation for governments: see a problem and announce a quick fix.”

“There is no satisfaction to be derived from having had many of our arguments borne out by events.”

“Some ministers are fond of talking about a return to Victorian values. We must realise that those Victorian values are being expressed by some of the younger people in this society in shameful and disturbing disregard for other members of their generation who are not as fortunate as they are in having a job.”

“Labour politicians for generations have fought to bring democracy to the House of Lords.”

“The terrorist seeks to smash the most fundamental liberty of all: the right to lead our everyday lives on the basic assumption of safety.”

“When it comes to our public services, decentralisation means giving power back to those on the front line - our doctors, nurses, teachers and physiotherapists, and our locally elected officials.”