Quotes By Charles Kennedy

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.

If you were to describe me as teetotal, on behalf of my constituency I'd have to sue; that would lose me every vote in the Highlands.

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

With 24-hour news... the story moves on with the media.

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

I should do something about the cigarettes; I quite accept that it's bad for your health, but you know a moderate tipple is positively beneficial and, at certain times, absolutely essential.

I do think there is a great deal of caricature around the House of Commons. It is just that kind of place.

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

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

The point never to lose sight of is to be guided by the correct thing, as you see it. It's the only way to approach such profound matters and retain your integrity.

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.

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

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 can hardly think of an occasion when I've got into a stand-up fight with any political opponent. I've got my views, people know what they are, they can agree or they can choose to disagree. I'm not going to waste time just rubbishing everybody else.

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.

People are not stupid.

Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.

I will go out of this world feet first with my Lib Dem membership card in my pocket.

I want to see far more decisions taken far closer to the patients, the passengers and the pupils. Far more power for locally and regionally elected politicians who understand best the needs of their areas. And far more say too for the dedicated staff at all levels in health and education.

It is true that I entered parliament at the age of 23, and have now been representing the people of my constituency for over twenty years.

I don't want a headline saying 'Kennedy suggests this or implies that.'

To be seen to be human, provided you're doing your job at the same time, is definitely not a negative, not at all.

The one thing we can all be sure about in politics is you are as well to expect the unexpected.

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

You won't catch Liberal Democrats describing trade unionists as wreckers.

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

We would all rather see Iraq resolved successfully.

I'm a fully paid-up member of the human race.

My health is good and it's up to me to keep it that way.

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.