Charles Kennedy Quotes
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A perennial problem that has faced the Scottish Highlands is that, time and again, too many of the more talented young people have had to move elsewhere - even abroad - through a lack of opportunities that should have been available.
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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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My approach is always to try to be straight with people, especially about what my party can achieve.
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I don't actually subscribe to the view that all power corrupts. But absolute power - when secured on the back of massive parliamentary majorities, which don't reflect the balance of political opinion in the country - can corrupt absolutely.
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I believe when the country feels threatened it is important that we are seen to be working together to find an appropriate structure for dealing with terrorists in our midst.
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There is always a temptation for governments: see a problem and announce a quick fix.
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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.
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I don't want a headline saying 'Kennedy suggests this or implies that.'
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Liberal Democracy is all about extending choice. Give people the option to decide their retirement age, and you immediately extend their freedom in a very significant way.
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Many people want to scale back their working hours as they near the end of their careers, but not necessarily to give up work altogether.
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In my view, nations together are stronger than when they are isolated. And because they are stronger, their people are more free, not less.
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In my view, as a country we need to rediscover some of that skepticism about government and revisit that libertarian agenda.
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I want our party to step up its efforts to reflect and champion the concerns of everybody who has reached the second half of their lives.
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I happen to consider myself a Highlander even before a Scot; I am proud to be British yet feel comfortable as a European citizen.
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It is my determination that we, as a party, continue to make that fundamental restatement of liberal values in the politics of our country.
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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.
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I know from my own parents how important active older people are to a local community.
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Terrorism gravely threatens international peace and security, and as a solution, the power and apparent finality of force are seductive.
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When power is exercised exclusively at the centre, the result is rigidity of rules and alienation of the people subject to those rules.
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Just as we Liberal Democrats opposed the flawed logic of that war in Iraq - we will oppose the flawed government claim that we have to surrender our fundamental rights in order to improve our security.
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Political parties need to look at the different kinds of support that people may need, suited to their way of life, and provide cost-effective solutions.
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It's our job as Liberal Democrats to be an effective opposition - and an increasingly tough one as well.
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Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.
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The terrorist seeks to smash the most fundamental liberty of all: the right to lead our everyday lives on the basic assumption of safety.