I WAS angry when I read the Chris Moncrieff column in relation to his description of the tribute to Charles Kennedy at the Liberal Democrat Conference as "derisive".

It most certainly was nothing of the kind.

I knew Charles Kennedy, and I am not afraid to say that I was moved to tears by the tribute which showed the depth of the man and what he did for not only his party but also his country.

Yes, there were examples of him making fun of the world and of himself, but who was it who led the campaign against the Iraq War? Maybe we would be better off with more politicians who didn't take themselves so seriously, but who were more passionate about freedom and liberty than those we now have in power.

In the end Charles was let down by his own human frailty, but that does not deny him the right to be known as one of the best politicians of our age.

I and the hundreds more in the hall were asked to show our appreciation by one minute of applause. Who can say it is derision that the chair of the session had gently to stop the applause after two minutes. I and everyone else would have gone on much longer.

Chris Moncrieff's ignorant comments appal me.

Nigel Martin,

Pity Me.