A biography for Charles Kennedyhasn’t been written yet.
“I believe that our country is a richer, more vibrant society precisely because it is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society.”
“Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.”
“Politics means facing up to hard choices and facing down prejudice, short-termism, the easy, tempting court of knee-jerk public reaction.”
“Useful lessons can be learned from our more successful local authorities - as you move into government, it is even more imperative to communicate speedily and persuasively with your members and your voters.”
“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.”
“I did not dwell on the issue of Europe during either the 2001 or the 2005 campaigns - despite it being a pivotal personal concern and despite seeing it as something of a litmus test for liberal democracy.”
“There are hard choices to be made in balancing the country's security and an individual's liberties. But it is a choice that has to be faced.”
“In my view, nations together are stronger than when they are isolated. And because they are stronger, their people are more free, not less.”
“I don't want a headline saying 'Kennedy suggests this or implies that.'”
“Just as we Liberal Democrats opposed the flawed logic of that war in Iraq - we will oppose the flawed government claim that we have to surrender our fundamental rights in order to improve our security.”
“Like John Major in her wake, Thatcher was convinced that she understood the Scots - yet couldn't understand why we remained so stubbornly resistant towards the notion of understanding her.”
“Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.”
“New Labour needs to realise that family life and the way we raise our children are private matters.”
“We want a strong, vibrant economy for Britain so that we can set out a clear and affordable alternative programme for government.”
“To involve young people and make sure that the system is more relevant to them in Scotland, we have a clear obligation to implement a policy of home rule.”
“Terrorism gravely threatens international peace and security, and as a solution, the power and apparent finality of force are seductive.”
“We believe that government in Britain should improve the quality of people's lives and improve the quality of our public services in every local community.”
“Liberal Democracy is all about extending choice. Give people the option to decide their retirement age, and you immediately extend their freedom in a very significant way.”
“We are no longer a nation of one church; we are a nation of many churches.”
“Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.”