article_snippet: The former Liberal Democrat leader, who has a history of problems with alcohol, slurred during the discussion show on Thursday and appeared to be struggling to follow the arguments of other guests on the panel.
article_snippet: The former Lib Dem leader, who is a recovering alcoholic, represented The former Lib Dem leader, who is a recovering alcoholic party on the discussion show on Thursday last night .
article_snippet: A Lib Dem source said: ‘It was quite clear that Mr Kennedy was not Mr Kennedy usual self last night.
article_snippet: #DutyOfCare' A website user called fenwench added: 'Mr Kennedy has admitted to alcoholism.
article_snippet: ‘My question is whether people provided booze in the green room [where TV guests sit before appearances].’
article_snippet: Mr Kennedy was Lib Dem leader from 1999 to 2006, when a leadership contest was called after Mr Kennedy admitted battling drink.
article_snippet: It came after Mr Kennedy was questioned about Mr Kennedy drinking habits by Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman in 2002.
article_snippet: Speaking in 2006, Mr Kennedy said: 'Over the past 18 months I've been coming to terms with and seeking to cope with a drink problem, and I've come to learn through that process that a drink problem is a serious problem indeed. '
article_snippet: A source close to the show said the green room was usually stocked with wine and beer, but that Mr Kennedy arrived late for Mr Kennedy appearance, suggesting Mr Kennedy might not have had time to drink.
article_snippet: Last Thursday was not the first time Mr Kennedy has appeared drunk on TV.