Archbishop Tartaglia pays tribute to Charles Kennedy

Charles Kennedy, the first Catholic leader of a major British political party, died suddenly at his home in Fort William last night.

In a statement his family said: "We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son."

Reacting to the news, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, said: "Charles Kennedy's death at the tragically premature age of 55 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.

"He will be mourned by his family, by many in the world of politics and within the church, by the parishioners of St John's Parish in Caol and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time."

Mr Kennedy led the Liberal Democrats from 1999 to 2006. He was the only party leader who campaigned strongly against the war on Iraq in 2003. Under his leadership in the elections of 2001 and 2005 they achieved their highest number of seats since 1923.

He served as an MP for 32 years until he lost his seat in last month's election.