Charles Kennedy Thinking Quotations

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.

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

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.

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

I think that former leaders are best seen occasionally and not too often heard - particularly on the subject of their successors!

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.

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

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

I think we owe it really to those forces, and to their families back home, to make quite clear what the position is and to reassure people by making quite clear that the government and parliament are thinking in terms of a safe homeward strategy for the forces.