The leader of the Liberal Democrats in Britain finally admitted a personal struggle with alcohol last night, while maintaining his problem was "essentially resolved" and that he would submit himself to a leadership contest, writes Frank Millar, London Editor
However, Charles Kennedy's prospects of surviving a vote by his party's rank-and-file may have been damaged by reports that his candid admission had been forced by concerns about imminent media disclosures about a long-term problem he had previously and consistently denied.
The Lib Dem leader's appearance at a press conference came after ITV News reportedly contacted him with details of an emergency meeting held between Mr Kennedy and senior colleagues in 2004, during which they had pressed him to seek treatment for alcoholism.
At the same time the BBC disclosed that just under half of Mr Kennedy's front-bench team at Westminster had signed a letter of no confidence in his leadership.
At his news conference, Mr Kennedy said he had been "coming to terms with and seeking to cope with a drinking problem" over the past 18 months and had learned through that process that "a drink problem is a serious problem indeed". He continued: "It's serious for yourself and it's serious for those around you." However, he maintained: "I've sought professional help and I believe today that this issue is essentially resolved."
Mr Kennedy went on: "People close to me know this has been a struggle and that for extended periods I've consumed no alcohol at all.
"As a matter of fact, I've not had a drink for the past two months and I do not intend to in the future. I learned the hard way of the need to face up to this medical problem, one that is dealt with successfully by many others on a daily basis."
The Lib Dem leader, who on Wednesday night ruled out a "back- me-or-sack-me" ultimatum to his critics, said he had wanted to overcome his problem privately.
"So in a sense this admission comes as something of a personal relief. I should have been willing to talk about it more openly beforehand and I wish I had."
While acknowledging that the issue had understandably been of concern to parliamentary colleagues, Mr Kennedy insisted: "I consider myself to be capable and in good health and remain politically determined as leader."
It was open to any colleague who believed they could better represent the long-term interests of the party to stand against him, he said.