Ross MP Kennedy marks a milestone
ROSS MP Charles Kennedy will today use a milestone anniversary in his colourful political career to pay tribute to grassroots supporters.
Mr Kennedy became the youngest MP elected to the House of Commons in 1983 when he caused a major upset by defeating Tory Hamish Gray in the then Ross, Cromarty and Skye constituency.
This weekend, he is one of two Scottish Liberal Democrat parliamentarians celebrating 30 years representing their constituencies in parliament. Sir Malcolm Bruce, MP for Gordon, is also marking the same milestone.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "I am immensely proud that the Liberal Democrats have been represented both locally and nationally with two outstanding politicians of our age. It is not an exaggeration to say that Charles and Malcolm have shaped the country with their ideas and character."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "Charles and Malcolm are leading advocates of the progressive values and policies of the Liberal Democrats and I congratulate them on celebrating 30 years as an MP.
"Both have tirelessly campaigned on local issues putting their commitment to their constituents first. Popular locally, they are also both hugely popular and respected figures in British politics and have used their position to make a stand on issues such as Iraq and international development.
"They have achieved so much in their three decades in Scottish and British politics of which they, and all Liberal Democrats, are rightly proud."
Reflecting on the past three decades – during which he served a stint as the leader of his party – Mr Kennedy said: “Through the many boundary and name changes it’s a continued privilege to serve the largest and arguably one of most beautiful constituencies in the country.
“The last three decades have brought have a wealth of issues to the constituency table; from the building of the Skye Bridge, ensuring the continuation of strong transport links for the Highlands and helping save vital local services, to promoting the economy and beauty of the Highlands.
“Nationally, both as a local MP and as Federal Party Leader, the outstanding issues are equally too numerous to recall or recount but I suppose the issue of Iraq and the brave stand the Liberal Democrats took in opposing the war was a defining moment both for the Party and my Leadership.
“ I remain very proud of the Party, both nationally and locally, for its resilience and for the vital role it continues to play in defending civil rights and democracy in this country.
“There’s no room for a dull moment in my role as MP and I look forward to reflecting on and celebrating all that the constituency has achieved - as well as looking to the future - at my anniversary dinner on Saturday night which is a great opportunity for me to thank members and friends for all their help, support and hard work over the years.”
A leader of the Liberal Democrats for five years and a well-respected constituency MP, he stood down from the top post in 2006 after admitting he had received treatment for an alcohol problem. But he has never fully ruled out the possibility of a return to the position at some stage.
Mr Kennedy has gone on record as stating his concerns about his party's ruling coalition with the Conservatives but remains a key player in the pro-Union Better Together campaign ahead of the 2014 referendum on Scottish Independence.
In a wide-ranging interview published in this week's Ross-shire Journal, 'voice of the Highlands' broadcaster Iain MacDonald recalls how he had rubbished Kennedy's election hopes while the young would-be politician was under his wing. You can read the full interview here.