Top 144 Quotes & Sayings by Charles Kennedy - Page 3

We need a liberal agenda in which government resists the temptation to interfere in the lives of individuals but is equally determined to play an active role where creative action can advance the liberties of all.

I happen to consider myself a Highlander even before a Scot; I am proud to be British yet feel comfortable as a European citizen.

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.

No government body is more notorious for over-legislation than the Department of Trade and Industry.

Decentralisation is controversial - but that's fine. We should be fearless about having a debate.

In my view, as a country we need to rediscover some of that skepticism about government and revisit that libertarian agenda.

Valuing public servants would boost morale among those on the front line of implementing government policy.

When power is exercised exclusively at the centre, the result is rigidity of rules and alienation of the people subject to those rules.

We actually believe in hope. But hope requires purpose. And purpose requires direction.

Those who use our public services should be able to deal directly with those who manage and deliver them.

New Labour needs to realise that family life and the way we raise our children are private matters.

Soon after the 1997 election, I argued that there was no inverse law of political gravity which said that everything which went down had to come back up.

In my view, nations together are stronger than when they are isolated. And because they are stronger, their people are more free, not less.

The way to defeat international terrorism is through international cooperation based on international law, clear intelligence, and a measured and appropriate military response.

Speaking to numerous teachers and nurses, I am consistently struck by the sense of mission they have about their work.

Westminster is a jungle - and the hunter can always smell fear on its prey.

I'm not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short

The events of the Holocaust viewed through the eyes of Anne Frank are a unique and damming testament to the dreadful atrocities of that period of our history

My favourite novel is Frederick Forsythe's Day Of The Jackal, the story about the unproven case of this apparent Englishman who was hired to assassinate De Gaulle?.

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

You mustn't confuse the need for effective chairmanship, which is part of the job of the boss, along with the ability to take tough decisions and to lead people.

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 of war under these circumstances is bound to weaken the international coalition against terrorism itself.

Befriending provides a valuable lifeline to many people who feel isolated in their communities often as a result of ill health or poverty. I would like to thank all those who volunteer as befrienders and I hope that your numbers will increase in coming years. Your kindness and hard work is, I know, very much appreciated by those you help.

My idealism has not abated, but I have witnessed it withering away nationwide, to the point where at least among the young, to have ideals is akin to being blinkered and oldfashioned.