This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-32970891

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Charles Kennedy death: Welsh tributes to ex-Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy death: Welsh tributes to ex-Lib Dem leader
(35 minutes later)
Tributes have been paid in Wales to the former leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy who has died in Scotland aged 55.Tributes have been paid in Wales to the former leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy who has died in Scotland aged 55.
The Scottish ex-MP's death was not believed to be suspicious and the cause of death has yet to be confirmed. The Scottish ex-MP's death was not believed to be suspicious and the cause has yet to be confirmed.
The leader of the Lib Dems in Wales Kirsty Williams called him "a giant in our party" who was "robust, sincere and passionate".
Lord German said Mr Kennedy's death was a "hammer blow".
Mr Kennedy, who led his party from 1999 to 2006, lost his seat in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency in last month's general election.
After his death was announced on Tuesday, Ms Williams said: "We are all immensely sad to hear of this devastating news.
'Man of principle'
"You would struggle to meet a kinder man than Charles. He was a man who had time for everybody; a real people person and that made him stand out from all the rest. He will always be remembered for his warm personality and brilliant quick wit.
"Charles was a giant in our party. He was robust, sincere and passionate. Never will I be more proud of our party than when Charles led us from the front in our opposition to the Iraq war. This wasn't a decision taken lightly, yet Charles was a man of principle and did what he knew was right.
"The party owes him a great gratitude for the position he took and the bravery he showed.
"Above all else, our thoughts go out to Charles's family at this very difficult time."
Former Lib Dem MP Lord Carlile told BBC Radio Wales: "For me today, there is an overwhelming sense of sadness and sympathy for Charles and for his family.
"He'd had an awful few weeks. His father, to whom he was extremely close, died recently, and of course he lost his seat."
'One of a kind'
Former Lib Dem MP for Montgomeryshire Lembit Opik has said Mr Kennedy was "one of a kind".Former Lib Dem MP for Montgomeryshire Lembit Opik has said Mr Kennedy was "one of a kind".
"A gentle soul who never really coped with the pressures of an abrasive career. Heartbreaking news," he said."A gentle soul who never really coped with the pressures of an abrasive career. Heartbreaking news," he said.
Former leader of the Lib Dems in Wales Lord German called Mr Kennedy's death a "hammer blow". Lord German, who is also a former Lib Dem leader in Wales, said: "Charles was such a mainstay of the party... He was a towering figure in the party.
"Charles was such a mainstay of the party... He was a towering figure in the party," he said.
"There was a brilliant mind who knew and sensed a political direction and who knew where the party had to go."There was a brilliant mind who knew and sensed a political direction and who knew where the party had to go.
'Unusual gift'
"This must be devastating for his family.""This must be devastating for his family."
BBC Wales' parliamentary correspondent David Cornock added, Mr Kennedy was a man who had "an unusual gift" for speaking about politics "with humour and humility".BBC Wales' parliamentary correspondent David Cornock added, Mr Kennedy was a man who had "an unusual gift" for speaking about politics "with humour and humility".
He said Mr Kennedy was the sort of person who showed a "genuine interest in people".He said Mr Kennedy was the sort of person who showed a "genuine interest in people".
Mr Kennedy, who led his party from 1999 to 2006, lost his seat in the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency in last month's general election.
BBC Wales' Welsh Affairs editor Vaughan Roderick tweeted: "Sad to hear about Charles Kennedy's death - a fine man who could have been so much more."BBC Wales' Welsh Affairs editor Vaughan Roderick tweeted: "Sad to hear about Charles Kennedy's death - a fine man who could have been so much more."
His family said they felt an "enormous sense of shock" and paid tribute to a fine man and talented politician.His family said they felt an "enormous sense of shock" and paid tribute to a fine man and talented politician.
They said Mr Kennedy died at home in Fort William on Monday and said they were "devastated".They said Mr Kennedy died at home in Fort William on Monday and said they were "devastated".