Charles Kennedy was the Democratic Party leader, who gave the speech about his alcohol-drinking problem, because it was of a great concern for him and other people for more than eighteen months. He said that after seeking professional help, he believed that the solution to the issue had been found.
Charles admitted that after struggling for a long time he had not had a drink for the two consecutive months, in other words, up to the time he gave the speech, and had no intention to drink in the future. For Charles Kennedy, the speech was a hard way to resolve the medical problem, as he wanted to overcome it privately. This is a problem affecting many other people, trying to find the solution.
However, as he had given the speech he felt a relief to have talked about it in public, since he realized that many friends including parliamentary colleagues, were understanding and supportive. He considered himself able, in good health and ready to continue with his party leadership.
However, he decided to ask the members of the party about their opinion regarding the continuing leadership. He gave a chance to any colleague who felt could represent the interests of the party to challenge him in the election, which he requested to be done immediately.