Church leaders mourn ‘tragic’ death of former Lib Dem leader

THE ARCHBISHOP of Glasgow has paid tribute to the former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, who has died aged 55. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said that that the death of Mr Kennedy, a Catholic, was “tragically premature”.

“It is a great loss not only to politics in our country but to the principles of civic and civilised engagement. His wisdom and courtesy were a mark of his Highland upbringing, his political skill grew from his sharp intellect and his humility and concern for others was testament to his deeply held beliefs.”

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, said: “Charles Kennedy reminded us of the continuing importance of being able to rely on a body of principle by which our plans and actions can be both motivated and judged. This body of principle and his determination to uphold the rule of law, both at home and internationally, gave great encouragement to many of us who opposed the Iraq war.”