Don't drink at our expense, Mr Kiley: grow up

I once had lunch with Bob Kiley, and noticed that he liked a bottle of wine or two. The only other person who did that was Charles Kennedy, who preceded our meal with a large gin and tonic. Both have now admitted they are alcoholics.

Mr Kennedy's admission came after years of speculation. Mr Kiley, pictured right, had been the subject of rumours and, in an interview with the Evening Standard last week, admitted that he spent most afternoons drinking vodka and did very little work for his huge consultancy fees and rent-free Belgravia home. I like both men - they are charming, highly intelligent and good company.

Mr Kiley puts his drinking down to a horrible car crash 30 years ago which killed his first wife and two young sons. That was an unimaginable tragedy, of course, but I bet that is not why he is an alcoholic. Those with a drink dependency look for reasons, when the answer lies within themselves. Citing such a shocking event betrays the self-pity that afflicts all alcoholics, an inability to deal with the present. London's commuters will be sympathetic but will expect a little more maturity.

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