Home Blogs & Views Birmingham Mail Columnists Maureen Messent

Charlie's innocent nicotine fix

Jul 12 2007

Charles Kennedy

THE affable and laid back Charles Kennedy, former Lib Dem leader and now sober alcoholic, opened a train window to smoke a cigarette.

He was travelling from London to Plymouth and must have wanted a small nicotine fix.

But busybodies on the train, who couldn't possible have been affected by his smoke, complained. Mr Kennedy was warned against lighting up and was interviewed by transport police at journey's end.

Who are these people who would run to a guard to snitch?

Doubtless they'd come up with the excuse that it's dangerous to lean from a window - but there is no suggestion that any part of Mr Kennedy, other than his cigarette, protruded.

I hope that all parents whose sneaky kids show a tendency to tale-bear nip the nasty habit in the bud by a clip round the ear. Sharpish.

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