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Dear presenter,
I think Campbell is not fit to be a
leader on grounds that he would scrap party's commitment to 50p top taxi rate.

I was disgussted with the Lib Dems treatement of Charles Kennedy and I am a Tory!!!!!!

He was hounded when he needed help and didn't seem to get it from the party. I hope that the party members really get up and support him and show what they really think.

You have to wonder exactly what the Lib Dems were thinking when they chose Menzies. To replace a weak, out of touch unvotable guy with another who has all the same attributes as well as been a geriatric. I believe this shows either the party has no ambition of winning an election, or they simply choose the guy who they feel sorry for the most!

Will anyone who isn't in the Lib Dems really listen to either of the speaches? I really hope tonight's Newsnight wont devote too much time to this non-story.

Let's not be ridiculous about this. Charles had his opportunity to lead the Lib/Dems to be in the position to make a real electoral challenge but he blew it. He also lacks the charisma necessary to make a plausible future PM, even though his biggest asset is that he appeals to the young.
On the other hand, Ming has experience and gravitas - both essential in a succesful leader. Just give him time.

Is there any indication that Kennedy has resolved the personal issue which led to his resignation?

Cambell out of touch with Middle England as is Blair and Brown.
Cambell too old for modern Britain.Needs consigning to History Books.
If Kennedy reformed he has gutso an can read political situation

If press cuttings are anything to go by, then we haven't really heard anything of Mr Campbell since the disasterous leadership contest, whilst the Tories, with a spin guru at the helm, are already taking a real advantage. Does Mr Campbell have something to worry about? I would say so.

For the sake of making British politics at least *look* like more than a two-horse race, the Lib Dems really need someone more dynamic than Campbell. If he can't enthuse even his own party, what hope for tempting fresh voters?

Campbell. He's got nothing to worry about, either.

It doesn`t take much common-sense to see that Charles Kennedy speaks the most common-sense and always has.
Unless Charles Kennedy becomes leader of the Liberals again, there is no chance that they will ever get my vote

So Kennedy likes a drop of the hard stuff, so what!
Our greatest leader Winston was no slouch at imbibing, and look at what he achieved.
In fact I can't recall any abstainers who reached greatness.
As for Ming, I thought that Flash did for him years ago.

Is there any chance of the Lib Dems choosing a heterosexual 40ish English man/woman with leaderaship qualities, who we have heard of for leader?

Charles Kennedy is a great man with a problem. I'd rather believe in a great man with a problem (hopefully one that's dealt with) than a man who would otherwise never have got the top job if Charles hadn't been shoved. Shame on the instigators!

I was clearly upset about Kennedy's departure from leadership. I strongly believe that one's political/professional achievements should not be judged by/doomed by one's setbacks in personal life. People often do wrong/unconventional things because they become victims of circumstances.

Though I do not belong to any particular political party, I shall be more than happy to see return of The Capable Kennedy.

Yes, Charles Kennedy is a warm, charismatic man, with a great rapport with the press and the public. But he was not a strong leader and at times the party was shambolic.

Ming Campbell has put in a far more focussed and disciplined team. For years the Lib Dems have been in need of re-organisation and a clear vision, and it looks like Ming is moving in the right direction.

With the possibility of a hung parliament on the horizon, these changes are not before time.

Anyway since politics is all about interest and public opinion entrusted on the citizenry who are empowered by the constitutionality of the laws to choose and elect their candidates of thier choices, based on the consents to meet their demands and needs. However in modern Britain , i am of the opnion that Campbell is not worthy to be a contesting candidate for the Prime Ministerial seat because he has laready disqualified himself already.

Britain in this crucial moment needs a leader who has a big heart with a dyn amic and visionary goal to more Modern Britain to its rightful position is once enjoy during the times of Churchill's reign.

I an of the opinion that Charles Kennedy would make a better choice for the seat of the Primiership.And to avoid any further retrogression and retardation of the British economy, its safety of its citizenry in a world raven with hatred due to virus of terrorism i think Campbell is out of the race for the sake of protecting the lives and property of the British citizens.

Ming is the leader by democratic vote and that is that. They are Liberal Democrats, the second word is the important one in this context. CK had his chance and wasn't up to the job without self-destructing, now he must support the leader and the party must move on from the leadership debate. The third party are more improtant than ever now as the big two are identically wrong on most of the big issues of the day. We need a healthy liberal entity promoting tolerance and good sense in this country, not one obsessed with personalities. The party has a national duty to be that entity.

Anyway since politics is all about interest and public opinion entrusted on the citizenry who are empowered by the constitutionality of the laws to choose and elect their candidates of thier choices, based on the consents to meet their demands and needs. However in modern Britain , i am of the opnion that Campbell is not worthy to be a contesting candidate for the Prime Ministerial seat because he has laready disqualified himself already.

Britain in this crucial moment needs a leader who has a big heart with a dyn amic and visionary goal to more Modern Britain to its rightful position is once enjoy during the times of Churchill's reign.

I am of the opinion that Charles Kennedy would make a better choice for the seat of the Primiership.And to avoid any further retrogression and retardation of the British economy, its safety of its citizenry in a world raven with hatred due to virus of terrorism i think Campbell is out of the race for the sake of protecting the lives and property of the British citizens.

As a Lib Dem I supported Charles and like many members was unhappy about the way his parliamentary colleagues ousted him - taking all choice on the matter away from the membership.

While I didn't support Ming, I think it is unfair at this stage in his leadership to make direct comparisons with his predecessor. It takes time not just to establish a profile as leader, but also to find a leader's voice.

People forget how long it took Paddy to get strike the right note with party and public. He was in total command of his position by the time he left, but not at this stage in his leadership.

As a starting point, I think Ming should stop boring on about the Olympics and the importance of Joe Grimmond as an inspiration - he competed when broadcast was in black and white and Grimmond's name has no resonance outside the party faithful.

I've always thought it obvious to anybody outside a small clique within the Lib Dem party that Campbell is a complete train wreck of a leader. They can talk about 'gravitas' and 'discipline' for ever and a day, and it will never alter the fact that he looks and sounds like some old grandad who'd be much happier out on the allotment than pretending to be a serious party leader. It's not mainly about his age, it's his patrician manner - Ken Clarke is of a similar age, but he could have made a credible Tory leader because he seems so much more dynamic and energised.

Simon Hughes was and is their best option - Kennedy is now damaged goods - but they bottled out. What this really brings out is the lack of strength in depth of the Lib Dem parliamentary team.

Cambell can fit in as a leader but am just thinking of the future, i mean what is going to happen later. so i will like Kennedy to be, cause i think he has the ability to be a leader thenks

I resigned from the LibDems earlier this year, beacuse I believe the party has lost its way. By jumping on the environment bandwagon, and ignoring the real issues of the decline of democracy in Britain, the plight of rural living (we need cars in the country) and "normal" people, the LibDems look as though they are even further from taking any part in government for ages again. I'd love to rejoin, start campaigning and all the rest of it, but not with the party as it is at the moment.

I dont care if his a transexual body piercing tattoo specialist out cruzing with george michael. I dont want a "potential" leader of this country to be alcoholic in control of the red buttons or under the influence of some other crazy crusading US president.

Clearly, Charles Kennedy has many political talents but isn't it disturbing that he could only hold down his job by drinking heavily?
Surely, by failing to leave the limelight he is again showing his difficulty in facing up to reality albeit the shadowy one of politics.
As for Ming, well one journo once described a Democrat seeking his party's presidential nomination as looking in need of a warm mug of coffee; Doesn't that sum up Ming?
The Lib Dems are thrashing around because they have profited from the decline of the Conservatives but Cameron's success now shows how directionless in policy they have always been.

I'm not terribly surprised by the way Charles Kennedy was treated. This is the way most politicians work. That said, Charles appeared to stand for a more positive approach, to putting the country and party before his own interests. I'm in my mid thirties so have grown up in Charles's era. I wouldn't say I'm a staunch Lib Dem, but he's a;ways been my favourite Politian

I wonder just how many other MPs have the very same problem as Charles Kennedy, but keep it under wraps! Mark you, had it all coincided with the birth of your first child it might not have been so easily contained. Are there any MPs who don't have flaws? I doubt it very much as has been shown in the past, but look how many got that vital secon chance!

As Charles Kennedy is clearly indicating that he wishes to get back into the very front of politics surely this shows his level of commitment, not to mention the dedication to quit his problem.

I think Charles Kennedy was a marvellous politician and great leader, much better than Paddy Ashdown. Whatever problems Charles has had, let's give him the chance to prove himself; after all he was taking the Libdems from strength to strength. Sadly, dear Ming is not cut out to be a leader....so let the best man back to lead us all once more. Very best wishes to Charles and his family.

Yes it is fine and great to see Charles Kennedy back in the group but if he rises to be leader or increases in his profile, when things go wrong people will throw at him 'remember him when he had that drink problem or no wonder he is making so many cock ups he been on the sauce! It is better for Charles to be vocal and focal but not to aspire to be leader again, take a back seat, advise and guide the ship but let the captain steer.

Kennedy has recently experienced nightmares. Campbell is still dreaming his dream while the rest of the party appear to be in deep sleep.

What will it take to shake the party awake? Ming getting his facts straight? At least Charles Kennedy had some sort of excuse the morning after his son was born for his momentary waffling, but without Charles to bring a bit original thought and arresting colour to an otherwise dull grey conference, we may have a long wait for dawn or decay.

I think that come the end of May 2007 after the next set of local elections the Lib Dems (and mostly those who finally pushed Charles Kennedy out) will rue the day that they did force Kennedy out. He came across as a man of the people, even if in essence he may not have been in a strict sense.

My main problem with the party now, however is the determination for them to scrap the 50p higher tax policy which was one of the crucial policies in my opinion that attracted those less well-off from more working class backgrounds, perhaps. I certainly will not be voting for the party again (as I did in the previous general election) unless this is re-introduced. I think that although of course those who earn such amounts of money are unlikely to vote for the party it was a fair tax idea on those who could afford it and so perhaps in some ways lift the burden of tax upon those who cannot afford so much. The new proposals as I have heard them (and I understand that the media conveniently misprepresent policies so I may be wrong) turn me off further. As a young driver I already find it incredibly expensive to run a car, but if I am to be hit more on this 'luxury' (although when a car is crucial for work and family reasons I do not feel it as a luxury) I will find it probably impossible to continue.

If Kennedy is managing to control the personal problems that lead to his personal problems, then I think he is the better option. He's a more charismatic man than Cambel, and as a result has won the party great support of the years. Frankly, Cambel is just a bit dull and with his latest proposal is likely to alienate any supporteres on the fence that Kennedy managed to sway.

At the end of the week might we have two leaders with uncertain futures?

Does this talk instability assist the rise and rise of the Tory party?

Never mind the tax rate, do LibDems have anything at all to say about what most people regard as the country's most pressing problem - immigration?

No I thought not.

Is it any wonder that LibDems are regarded as something of a joke party by most people?

What are they meant to be leading ?
The Liberal Democrat Party is
- a club for the unclubbable; those who have left or been thrown out of every other club
- an organisation whose members see no hypocrisy about promoting wind-power and trams nationally and then oppose every wind-turbine application and tram proposal (wrong route, wrong size, wrong colour...)at local level.

What are the LibDems for ?

I am not a member of Lib.Dem. but have the highest respect for both Menzies Campbell and Charles Kennedy.
My complaint is the interference and meddling of the British media in its attempt to discredit politicians who are honourably trying to do their best for country and party. Of course there are idiosyncracies in some and self-seeking in others with a political bent, but the constant decrying and discrediting is almost amounting to trial by media, and to promoting the interests of the hidden media moguls. I believe both Campbell and Kennedy to be honourable and able men.

I don't think either will have any success in the elections, as the overall trend in Europe is towards the right unfortunately: Sweden, Germany, France.

I haven't met a lib dem leaning individual who doesn't think that Ming is entirely out of touch. Kennedy on the other hand is everyone's favourite. Decency, honesty, wit and humility are far more important than what someone drinks in their own time. Face facts; Kennedy drunk is a more charismatic and level-headed individual than Ming sober. Bring back Charles and the 25 - 35 year olds that I associate with might consider voting for the lib dems again.

"The Carbon Tax" (from all aprties) is just another way to bash the poor -how many citty types will worry about the cost of running their £50,000 BMW 4x4 or another few pounds on their flight to Bermuda??? Menzies Campbell should join the Ken Livingstone Control Freak Faction.

Income Tax is the only fair tax - 50p is not too much - and I want to see policies that stop off-shoring cash and closing tax loop-holes - vast sums of money are leaking out of this country - as ever it's the rich wot gets the pleasure and the poor wot gets the blame...

Unfortunately the Lib Dems choice of Menzies Campbell , does semmed to have somewhat back-fired on them . "Ming" , whist having a brilliant mind , has the charisma of a wet lettuce .

Charles Kennedy can certainly woo the electorate when sober . However he will always have Grouse , Bells and Haig casting a shadow over him .

It`s a pity the Lib Dems can`t find someone to walk the middle ground mentally , emotionally and politically

I think the Lib Dems lost a huge amount of credibility in their handling of Charles Kennedy. The headway they were making with him was wiped clean with the in fighting the party displayed, although even with Kennedy back in charge I think they have a long way to go before they are taken seriously

I will be surprised and disappointed if Charles does not announce the state of his progress with the problem that ousted him.

I will also be surprised and disappointed if Charles does not announce his unconditional support for Sir Ming and his team.

Hi, Newnight, why should I join your debate,on halfway terms, when my comments on Jeremy Paxmans's last, excellent, review re Dafur et all, was excluded. Rather, Newsnight allow personal reviews,in this case, complimentary, or you are not playing the game, deciding with your own excuse to restrain comments for your own glory. I will not comment on this debate, and I consider Jeremy Paxman, you have let the side of Newsnight down to pander to your own views. I have friends who have seen & listened to own views,with derision, in a certain Notting Hill Gate restaurant, and they were dismayed as I am now. They are very credible people who just did not like your way of expressing yourself, and generally behaving like a dictator. Now, despite your excellent presentation,I feel like them. No more for your forum, it is a silly idea, and no discredit goes to your editor Peter Barron, but perhaps to your producers, who live in another world, much like yours. Can we see Ceasar Jeremy Paxman, or an excellent presenter, conducting his intervues in his usual manner, without all the trappings of a forum, a stupid idea. What is a forum, without public views broadcast live. This is supposed to be a comment on the entire Newsnight programme,irrelvant of forums. The public can comment on,in writing in the usual manner,on the whole Newsnight emmission through the Newsnight proceedure,in entirety. Game & match to your editor, Peter Barron, and not your producers. Let us end this stupid forum, we do not live in Ancient Greece or Roman times. Regards, to your superb performances, as a presenter plus, and terse coments to your intervuees, much appreciated. I just query the intentions of your producers. May I post this piece , or will it be whipped away, as other innocent pieces. I would like to write again to your Law Department and wonder if Jenni, had more luck than I? Jennifer W.

It's not Charles you need to worry about. It's Nick Clegg.

It looks as though Ming has sold out to the super rich like all the other mainstream parties. Pehaps he believes that he could attract more big donations for the next election. Well done Paxman for grilling Ming about the effect of the tax changes on the poor. I expect that those on the minimum wage could end up eating worse and freezing to death just to keep the family car on the road. Its possible that the proposed tax on 4 by 4 vehicles could eventually close Land-Rover. I have voted Lib-Dem in the past but not in the future.

Error 404 is frustrating my efforts to comment on today's (Tuesday) programme. Any chance of a tech (wo)man lifting a finger?

Good grief, what on earth was Jeremy doing asking Campbell about the Arctic Monkeys? I'm sure Ming has far too much taste to listen to anything so dull: more a Teenage Jesus & The Jerks man, I'd have thought. We oldies have our standards, you know.

This blog reads largely as a load of Tory disinformation from those who are terrified of the Lib Dem challenge in proposing green taxes to change polluting behaviour. These changes are vital if we are to have a future. Ming Campbell has shown himself a steady hand and the policy vote showed it has overwhelming support and is properly thought through - it exposes Labour as dishonest and incompetent and the Tories as hopelessly divided on how to face up to climate change. Watch the scramble to copy the Lib Dem initiative.

The change in leadership and the way it was handled exposed the 'inner workings' of the LD's.They are prepared to be utterly ruthless and deceitful when it suits them. This is best illustrated in their call for fair votes. When they hold the 'balance of power'( as happened in Scotland)and the fewest electors have given them a mandate they will exploit this to the maximum. Thus they want fair votes except when an anomoly gives them a huge, and some might say unfair advantage then to hell with fairness. The Libdems are not for me under any leader.

If only Campbell had been the leader ten years ago, he does so well but looks so likely to decline rapidly soon. Oh the cruelty of age. What a wasted time were the Kennedy years, and apparently just because of some patently lacking but claimed "appeal to the young".

We so desperately need an electable alternative to Blair, or to Brown if he just does he same as Blair. But it seems that the Libdems will never be ready to be that.

The party has never wished, or tried, to resolve its original basic contradition on just who it offers freedom, liberalism, when unfettered freedom damages some, so restriction, some protection is needed. Whether "liberal" means allowing business and institutions the freedom to do as they wish, or means allowing people to do as they wish with protection from overwheening powers.

Hence you have a party that claims to be pro-equality and yet is the main home of elected representatives who are totally against abortion - which denies women control of their own body in the worst of circumstances and so can never be a part of sex equality - it being their freedom to impose their religion. Thus there is no control over what members say, often totally contradictory stands in different places, and no integrity. So they are not safe to elect.

If only they could tackle that, but so many would leave the party that it would take years to recover.

kennedy all the way. charismatic, funny, intelligent and above all, human. he would get my vote as a credible politician and leader, and make an excellent pm - especially when compared to the other two. Do the country a favour charles, and go for it, we need you m8!

charles kennedy's speech was brilliant and 100% genuine and showed what a pygmy menzies campbell is-come back CK please!

I disagree with most of what this party stands for but Charles Kennedy comes across as open, honest and intelligent not traits found in most politicians today. I hope he will be back at the top soon to open up some honest debate on subjects not willing to be touch on by other parties. His temporary replacement does not have the x-factor to hold and down this job.