AS a supporter of independence and an SNP voter, I am nevertheless deeply saddened by the death of Charles Kennedy.
Due to my respect for him as an outstanding MP - and possibly the most honest and principled we had - I regretted that in the recent election he lost his political career.
I believe that the LibDems should now reflect with new awareness and humility on the unedifying rush to replace him and on their decision to join a coalition, which he opposed, in pursuit of government office, rather than to wield th real and probably greater power of "confidence and supply", where they could have remained true to their principles and promises and perhaps still have achieved even more good for ordinary people.
To my mind, the LibDems and Charles Kennedy typify the separation of our politicians into those who want to "be" and those who want to "do". Charles Kennedy certainly knew the difference.
P Davidson,
Gartcows Road, Falkirk.
I RECALL meeting the late and great Charles Kennedy in advance of the 2001 General Election just before Armistice Sunday. I was wearing a poppy. Charles advised that I remove the poppy, as to use it in a publicity photograph would be inappropriate as some things are above party politics and remembering the dead should never be politicised. He offered this advice in a typically affable way which caused me to have complete faith in his judgment and not to feel at all foolish. This short episode summed the man up. Outwardly jovial and endearing to all who met him, yet principled to the very core. We have lost one of our very finest. My thoughts are with his family.
Allan R M Steele,
17 Otterburn Drive,
Giffnock.
I ALONG with many others was so sad to hear of Charles Kennedy's passing. Yet again we all wait for death to praise such a talented committed politician. The "big" named politicians and reporters are all making fulsome praises now but why not during his life?
Liz Renfrew,
Barr Farmhouse,
Bridgend,
Isle of Islay.
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