Politics means facing up to hard choices and facing down prejudice, short-termism, the easy, tempting court of knee-jerk public reaction. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
People have a huge desire to be listened to, for politicians to take the time to understand their problems. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
In my view, as a country we need to rediscover some of that skepticism about government and revisit that libertarian agenda. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Yes, you need substance in politics - but I think your style also says something about how you arrive at some of… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
The one thing we can all be sure about in politics is you are as well to expect the unexpected. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We believe that government in Britain should be working to restore our reputation on the international stage after Iraq and engage better… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
For any new leader of any party at any given time it takes time if you are not in government to establish… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We believe that government in Britain is there to protect people from terrorism and from the worst criminality, but never at the… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
During my campaign, people of my age and younger said consistently that they would not vote because their votes simply no longer… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Whatever the eventual judgment, the political implications of Hutton are already clear. A devastating indictment of Labour in power - and of… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
The government's instinct is to shroud itself in secrecy - to act like the office of a president instead of as a… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
I want to see far more decisions taken far closer to the patients, the passengers and the pupils. Far more power for… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Useful lessons can be learned from our more successful local authorities - as you move into government, it is even more imperative… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Good political leadership for me involves getting the big decisions right - however difficult, however controversial, however potentially divisive - and then… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Just as we Liberal Democrats opposed the flawed logic of that war in Iraq - we will oppose the flawed government claim… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We should have high expectations of our children, but politicians should not tell teachers how to meet them. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
It is my determination that we, as a party, continue to make that fundamental restatement of liberal values in the politics of… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
I am genuinely not an over-the-top kind of person about politics or anything else. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We want a strong, vibrant economy for Britain so that we can set out a clear and affordable alternative programme for government. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Political parties need to look at the different kinds of support that people may need, suited to their way of life, and… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We must restore faith in politics. Reform of the House of Lords is only one part of the answer, but it is… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
It must be a judge - never a politician - who decides whether someone is to be locked up. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Labour politicians for generations have fought to bring democracy to the House of Lords. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
To run an effective political party you need a degree of tribalism, it's the glue that holds everyone together. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Only the Liberal Democrats have probed the government's failings consistently, thoroughly and effectively. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
No government body is more notorious for over-legislation than the Department of Trade and Industry. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Politicians are good at saying how Government must do more, but we must also think carefully about where Government should do less. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We believe that government in Britain should improve the quality of people's lives and improve the quality of our public services in… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
There is always a temptation for governments: see a problem and announce a quick fix. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We need a liberal agenda in which government resists the temptation to interfere in the lives of individuals but is equally determined… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Britain is a European power. We cannot change our geography. Our involvement in the politics of European cooperation is one of necessity.… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Valuing public servants would boost morale among those on the front line of implementing government policy. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
It is the government's fundamental duty to ensure the security of every individual citizen. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
'Federalism', in the context of political and media usage in Britain, has come to mean the creation and imposition of a European… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
As I spread my wings in politics, I discovered many Thatcher voters down south who were the same kind of people who… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Politics means facing up to hard choices and facing down prejudice, short-termism, the easy, tempting court of knee-jerk public reaction. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
It would be a tragedy if the remarkable international coalition against terrorism, successfully marshalled in the aftermath of 11 September, were to fragment over… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Speaking to numerous teachers and nurses, I am consistently struck by the sense of mission they have about their work. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Three simple words - freedom, justice and honesty. These sum up what the Liberal Democrats stand for. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
I happen to consider myself a Highlander even before a Scot; I am proud to be British yet feel comfortable as a European citizen. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Some ministers are fond of talking about a return to Victorian values. We must realise that those Victorian values are being expressed by some… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
I have never once been persuaded as to the causal link between the Iraqi regime, al-Qaeda and September 11. I do believe the impact… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
I'm not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Ours is a stable country. Ours is a sensible country. And ours is a fundamentally decent country. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
Yes, you need substance in politics - but I think your style also says something about how you arrive at some of your conclusions. — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
We need less theoretical debate and more practical application and acknowledgment of what Europe can and does do so that it is brought home… — Charles Kennedy Copy Share Image
