The Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy launched a dramatic attempt
to save his career last night when he admitted having had a drink
problem for 18 months while calling a leadership election to take on
his detractors.

Interesting news, no? It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out. Sir Ming has already said he won’t stand in the election against Kennedy so he may well actually win it.

But what will be people’s reactions to his admitted alcoholism? An illness, a disease which he is bravely fighting? Evidence of some inner unworthiness? Proof positive that he’s past it? 

Certainly I wish him luck in trying to deal with it but I have to admit that LibDem politics aren’t the most fascinating thing to me. The social reaction to a politician who admits it (and I’m sure there are some who don’t as well) will be the thing to watch for me.