Charles Kennedy Speech - A Drink
Problem
I've called
this press briefing to address an issue—directly—one that has been a source of
concern to myself and to others for some time.
Over the
past eighteen months I have been coming to terms with and seeking to cope with
a drink problem. And I've come to learn through that process that any drink
problem is a serious problem indeed— for yourself and for those around about
you. I've sought professional help and I believe today that this issue is
essentially resolved. People close to me know that this has been a struggle and
for extended periods I have consumed no alcohol at all. As a matter of fact I
haven't had a drink for the past two months— and I don't intend to in the
future. I've learnt the hard way of the need to face up to this medical
problem— one that is dealt with successfully by many others on a daily basis.
I have
chosen not to acknowledge it publicly in this way before because, if at all
possible, I wanted to overcome it privately. In a sense, this admission today
comes as something of a personal relief. I should have been willing to talk
about it more openly before. I wish I had. This issue has—understandably—been
of concern to several of my parliamentary colleagues. They have been both
understanding and supportive. I am extremely grateful to them for that. It also
lies beneath much of the current leadership speculation within the
parliamentary party.
Therefore,
let me be clear. I consider myself capable and in good health— and I remain
politically determined as leader of the party. This party's members have shown
me tremendous support over the years and overwhelmingly in recent weeks and
days. It is a privilege to serve as their leader. I want to continue doing so,
not least because the prospects in front of us in this parliament are so great.
Given my
statement today I believe it is only fair now to give our party members their
say over the continuing leadership. It is open to any colleague who believes
that they can better represent the longer-term interests of the party to stand
against me in such a leadership election. I am requesting that the party puts
in place the necessary steps to enable this election to take place immediately.
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