Charles Kennedy
Charles Kennedy
Charles Peter Kennedywas a British Liberal Democrat politician, who was Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1999 to 2006 and a Member of Parliamentfrom 1983 to 2015, latterly for the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth25 November 1959
depth hostility incumbent knocking local margaret minister particular second sheer struck tories towards
When I started knocking on Highland doors in May 1983, two things struck me more than any other. First was the sheer depth of hostility towards the Tories in general. Second was the particular hostility towards Margaret Thatcher and her local ministerial spear-carrier, energy minister and incumbent MP of 13 years' standing, Hamish Gray.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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It has been the greatest privilege of my adult and public life to have served, for 32 years, as the Member of Parliament for our local Highlands and Islands communities.
local older people
I know from my own parents how important active older people are to a local community.
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It would be a tragedy if the remarkable international coalition against terrorism, successfully marshalled in the aftermath of 11 September, were to fragment over a unilateral U.S. strike against Baghdad.
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'Federalism', in the context of political and media usage in Britain, has come to mean the creation and imposition of a European superstate, one centralised in Brussels.
public
Public perception of the Westminster arena, with all its posturings, does little to engender a sense of voter belief.
continue
Professionally I would say taking up my constituents' problems is something I continue to enjoy after 22 years as an MP.
sensible
Ours is a stable country. Ours is a sensible country. And ours is a fundamentally decent country.
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People have a huge desire to be listened to, for politicians to take the time to understand their problems.
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We want a strong, vibrant economy for Britain so that we can set out a clear and affordable alternative programme for government.
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Britain is a European power. We cannot change our geography. Our involvement in the politics of European cooperation is one of necessity. Our wealth and our security depend upon it.