Charles Kennedy Quotes

To run an effective political party you need a degree of tribalism, it’s the glue that holds everyone together.

We Liberal Democrats believe in dialogue. We believe in cooperation with both sides of industry and between both sides of industry. And we believe in the language of cooperation. We reject the language of confrontation.

There stands no contradiction between giving voice to legitimate anxiety and at the same time, as and when exchange of fire commences, looking to the rest of the country, as well as all of us in the House, to give full moral support to our forces.

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

I couldn’t imagine a day without music. It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure and I hate the sound of silence – the concept, I mean, not the track by Simon and Garfunkel.

I am genuinely not an over-the-top kind of person about politics or anything else.

We should have high expectations of our children, but politicians should not tell teachers how to meet them.

My approach is always to try to be straight with people, especially about what my party can achieve.

I’m not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short

I believe that access to a university education should be based on the ability to learn, not what people can afford. I think there is no more nauseating a sight than politicians pulling up the ladder of opportunity behind them.

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.

Befriending provides a valuable lifeline to many people who feel isolated in their communities often as a result of ill health or poverty. I would like to thank all those who volunteer as befrienders and I hope that your numbers will increase in coming years. Your kindness and hard work is, I know, very much appreciated by those you help.