Interview: Charles Kennedy

Charles Kennedy was among the loudest voices calling for Parliament to be recalled to discuss the issues.

Naturally he has no complaints that Tony Blair has found the time to do so or that it will happen tomorrow, slap bang in the middle of the party conference.

It will take away the headlines from Brighton that day. But Mr Kennedy will make the most of it. The party is likely discuss the issue on Wednesday when it is still fresh in people's minds.

He said: "I want party members to have a say on this issue as well as Parliament."

The Lib Dems are in Brighton for their conferences so often Charles Kennedy said it is almost becoming like a second home even though his Scottish constituency is almost as far away from Sussex as it is possible to be in the UK.

What is more, for the first time the conference will be welcomed by a Lib Dem mayor (David Watkins) which Mr Kennedy said symbolised the steady progress the party is making.

The leader is in the paradoxical position of being still among the youngest MPs while being one of the longest-serving members at Westminster.

He was catapulted unexpectedly into Parliament 20 years ago as a young man for the SDP and has stayed there ever since.

Does he ever think, as his predecessor Paddy Ashdown did, that Parliament is a frustrating nuisance?

Mr Kennedy said: "It does seem ludicrous that it takes all this argy-bargy to get a debate on Iraq, the most important issue of the day.

"But if Parliament is modernised, in another year we would have been sitting in September and been able to discuss it anyway."

Mr Kennedy is keen for people to re-engage in politics.

He would even rather they did it with another party than be apathetic.

It's not that many show a lack of interest in issues such as Iraq.

It's just that they don't always feel MPs are in touch.

Aside from Iraq, the big issue at Brighton is likely to be the public services. Gordon Brown has announced millions, even billions, extra to be spent on them.

However, Mr Kennedy said: "We have to see to what extent this will reach the patients, police officers and pupils.

"We would like fewer decisions to be made at a national level on this and more at a local level."

Sussex MEP Chris Huhne will also be putting to the conference on Wednesday a radical rethink on public services, including the use of not-for-profit organisations.

The second and politically more intriguing issue is the Conservatives, who are still flatlining in the polls a year after Iain Duncan Smith became leader.

Mr Kennedy said: "We are clearly building as an opposition political party. Our views on big issues such as Iraq are very close to what people want to hear."

He said that while Lib Dems were sceptical about action over Iraq, Tories appeared to be saying Saddam Hussein should already have been dealt with.

The Lib Dem leader said Tories were also out of touch in voting against some of the extra spending on public services.

He said: "We are preparing coherent and costed proposals which will be welcomed."

Ever since Mr Kennedy, with his relaxed and laid back style succeeded the hyperactive Lord Ashdown, there has been comment about his different approach.

TV interviewer Jeremy Paxman hit the headlines earlier this year by questioning Mr Kennedy about his drinking and he is known to like a smoke.

Does he mind and is it true?

He said: "You should ask my new beloved wife. She is perfectly happy with what she has got.

"In a high-profile job such as being a party leader, you cannot hide what you are like. People would see through it."

Mr Kennedy said he had no intention of disguising the fact that he is a paid-up member of the human race.

So he continues in much the same way as before, appearing on Have I Got News For You and being by far the most convivial party leader without his personal and party ratings being affected at all.

However, Mr Kennedy does not lack industry and is working long days even in the recess when many MPs are on holiday. He also feels passionately on many issues, particularly Iraq, which is dominating all else at the moment.

"When people ask if there is anything they can do, I say that at least they can write to Tony Blair.

"If you have a voice, make use of it."

There will be plenty of noise from Charles Kennedy and his party this week in Brighton as they feel they have caught the nation's mood.

Mr Kennedy remains a generally popular figure among Lib Dems in particular because of his relaxed attitude and his electoral success.

Against most expectations, the party increased its number of MPs at last year's General Election.

Councillor Paul Elgood, leader of the Lib Dem group on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "He has been an outstanding leader because of his down-to-earth nature.

"He is one of us and understands the needs and aspirations of ordinary people well.

"He has also got the right agenda on issues such as public services.

"The polls are moving in the right direction for the Liberal Democrats. It's an exciting time for the party."