Scottish Liberal Democrat peer Lord Wallace last night urged “overly zealous” activists to emulate Charles Kennedy’s respect for his opponents as he paid tribute to the party’s former leader.
Politics north of the border would be “much healthier”, he said, if people understood those who disagree do not deserve to have their views “trashed”.
He was giving the inaugural memorial lecture in remembrance of the late Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP, who died in June.
Lord Wallace, first elected as northern isles MP on the same day Mr Kennedy entered the Commons, shared his stories about “one of my closest friends in politics”.
Speaking at the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, he said the practice of politics was “scarred by those who are so bound to the idea of the nation above all else”.
He added: “I can’t help but think how much healthier the political climate in Scotland would be today if people, and overly zealous activists in particular, could emulate Charles Kennedy and respect the sincerely held views of others.”
Lord Wallace, also a former MSP and Scotland’s deputy first minister from 1999 to 2003, said in the 32 years he knew Mr Kennedy – who stood down as leader in 2006 – there had been camaraderie, fun and “even intrigue”.
He hailed his late friend’s “affinity to the land”, his commitment to individual liberty, human rights and social justice, as well as his fearlessness in standing up for what was right.
He described the latter as “part of his Highland DNA”, saying it “burned brightest” when he opposed the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Other qualities included his “outstanding” ability to communicate, a self-deprecating sense of humour, his concern for the environment and his internationalism, Lord Wallace added.
Lord Wallace, who leads the Lib Dems in the Lords, said: “He met queens, princes, presidents, but he certainly never lost the common touch, nor let his popularity turn his head.”
His legacy, Lord Wallace concluded, should be a “call to refresh our radicalism” and to be passionate in challenging the things Highlanders should not be prepared to put up with.