Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy has called a leadership contest after admitting he has been battling with a drink problem.
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He said: "Over the past 18 months I've been coming to terms with and seeking to cope with a drink problem, and I've come to learn through that process that a drink problem is a serious problem indeed.
"It's serious for yourself and it's serious for those around you. I've sought professional help and I believe today that this issue is essentially resolved."
He added "Yer me besht feckin' mate d'yer knaw that..........".
A politician who likes a drink?
shock
/shocked
//shocked I tell you
Sounds as though he's not the only one with a problem.
http//www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1972500,00.html
Frankly I'm surprised that there isn't more of this. Most political meetings seem to end up in the pub and the Palace of Westminster is full of bars and restaurants that sell alcohol at a reduced price.
I think that Kennedy will probably get an easy ride from other politicians because of this - they don't want to provoke a witch hunt. For that matter the media are no better, anyone interested should try out the Red Lion on Whitehall which is a famous hang out for the Westminster Journos and if you get the chance ever Strangers Bar in the Palace itself (its the only bar open to none members) - on a typical working night both a full of journalists, MPs and assorted wanabees and hangers on getting drunk with impunity.
shock
Be i t media or his own party there's a witch hunt been going on regarding Kennedy for the past couple of months. Bloody shameful that he had to face the press and make a statement. Looking forward to seeing who puts themselves forward for new leader.
Just think, where would Churchill have been if this kind of campaign had been allowed.
True dat... Churchill loved brandy, champagne and cigars. I can totally get behind a politician like that.
What's shocking is that he was stupid enough to admit it....he's done like toast!!
A backbencher with a drinking problem is expected, almost required, but a party leader. Sorry laddie but as the sayign goes... "for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.
for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee"
i think it's time UK was dragged kicking and screaming into the present time. Alcoholism is a disease and can be treated. People have a genetic predisposition toward it. To sack him, which only the inner party can do, because of his problem means that evntually the blind, shortsighted, bald, deaf and overweight will be thrown out of politics.
Come to think of it, that's half of every party, not to mention the Lords, Go for it. wink
Never trust any political type that does not like a bevie or two lol
A backbencher with a drinking problem is expected, almost required, but a party leader. Sorry laddie but as the sayign goes... "for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.
for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee"
Is that last orders at the bar? :razz:
because he doesn't have to order 4 pints and a couple of shorts because theyve changed the licencing laws now :roll:
Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy has called a leadership contest after admitting he has been battling with a drink problem.
Click Click
He said: "Over the past 18 months I've been coming to terms with and seeking to cope with a drink problem, and I've come to learn through that process that a drink problem is a serious problem indeed.
"It's serious for yourself and it's serious for those around you. I've sought professional help and I believe today that this issue is essentially resolved."
He added "Yer me besht feckin' mate d'yer knaw that..........".
What the BBC didn't tell you was that he actually made this statement whilst hanging on the top of a lampost at Westminster at 4AM :wink:
Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy has called a leadership contest after admitting he has been battling with a drink problem.
Click Click
He said: "Over the past 18 months I've been coming to terms with and seeking to cope with a drink problem, and I've come to learn through that process that a drink problem is a serious problem indeed.
"It's serious for yourself and it's serious for those around you. I've sought professional help and I believe today that this issue is essentially resolved."
He added "Yer me besht feckin' mate d'yer knaw that..........".
What the BBC didn't tell you was that he actually made this statement whilst hanging on the top of a lampost at Westminster at 4AM :wink:
What's shocking is that he was stupid enough to admit it....he's done like toast!!
Yes but he only admitted it when 11 of his MPs were all ready to sign a petition demanding his resignation. A friend of mine who interviewed him, ten years ago, claims he was steaming, even then.
Ah well, it's all over now
http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4590688.stm
...predictable really.
I'm currently back in the UK and found it funny how apoplectic the British media got over this story. Back in Oz it's almost pre-requisite that our polies drink ;-)
Not that I'm saying it's right (i don't drink) but need I say more than 'Bob Hawke' )
I guess the British media really are as bad as they're made out, it never fails to amaze me when I come back here how sensational they are.
kim