IT is true that alcoholism is an illness and that being in denial is part of that illness.

So should we therefore understand the difficulties facing Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, appreciate his courage in publicly admitting them, have compassion for him, and forgive him for previously hiding the truth?

Or should we just condemn him for lying in the face of repeated questions over a lengthy period about whether he had a drink problem?

We certainly have compassion for Mr Kennedy, as we would for any human being trying to combat alcoholism - a challenge which many good people have faced.

But politics is a hard and ruthless business. And the fact is that Mr Kennedy has misled members of his own party and the people of Britain.

He has lied and - although the mitigating circumstances warrant our sympathy - that is unacceptable for the leader of a political party with aspirations to form a government.

Mr Kennedy came clean because he was about to be exposed by the media, not because he believed he should be open with the electorate.

And while he insists he has not had an alcoholic drink for two months and doesn't intend to again, why should he be believed when he hasn't told the truth before? Might he still be in denial?

Trust is at the heart of politics and, sad though it undoubtedly is, Mr Kennedy can no longer be trusted. It is time to stand aside and fight his demons free from the demands of leadership.