Charles Kennedy: 11 quotes from his career in politics

Charles Kennedy, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, died at his home in Fort William overnight on Monday at the age of 55.

The politician, who led his party from 1999-2006, was described as a "fine man and loving father" by his family.

Here are 11 of his finest quotes:

1.

Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be lamentable.

2.

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

3.

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.

4.

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

5.

Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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.

9.

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.

10.

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.

11

Paddy Ashdown is the only party leader who's a trained killer. Although, to be fair, Mrs Thatcher was self-taught.

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