Lord Russell-Johnston

Jul 30 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

WHEN the old Liberal Party was divided between, on the one side, people growing red beards and wearing sandals and fishermen’s pullovers, and, on the other, by those enthusiastic for power, the man in the kilt, also a vigorous shinty player, was much favoured by the former group.

This was a little surprising, as David Russell Johnston had come from a traditional background, before commanding an intelligence unit in Berlin during his National Service.

But it was his independence of spirit, which made him a true Liberal and a doughty negotiator in the party’s prolonged courtship and then merger with the SDP, which led to the emergence of the Liberal Democrats.

Johnston, son of a customs officer, was brought up on the Isle of Skye, attending Carbost Public School and Portree High School. From an early age, he was a keen speaker, twice winning the Scotsman debating prize while studying history at Edinburgh University.

He joined the Liberal Party in 1955, when its fortunes were generally low, though it had retained affection on the Celtic fringes.

Jo Grimond, the revered leader behind the party’s post- war revival, spotted Johnston’s potential, making him a research officer. From that, he successfully prised Inverness from the Conservatives in the 1964 General Election.

A dedicated Highlander, Johnston was always eager to parade his Scottish credentials, appearing in the House of Commons wearing his kilt.

He was keen on the principle of devolution in the context of a European federation, but was more canny about the way this could be progressed than was suggested by the sporting of tartan.

He chaired the Scottish Liberals before becoming their leader in 1974.

Johnston was a splendid conversationalist, whose ideas were often freed by the malt whiskies, which he greatly enjoyed. Christopher Soames, the European Commissioner, was, he noted, full of wind, but this would be fine, as "the continentals love that sort of thing".

During the 1980s, Johnston was involved in the Liberal/SDP negotations, winning support from the old-timers when he spoke of his passion for Liberalism at the party’s Assembly. He was in favour of the merger, but observed that "you don’t change the taste of the whisky by changing the shape of the bottle".

Johnston, married with three children, was knighted in 1985 and 12 years later was created a life peer.

Lord Russell-Johnston, politician, born July 28, 1932; died July 27, 2008.