THE big story of the past few weeks, without any doubt, was the final downfall of Colonel Gaddafi, marking for many Libyan people the moment of their true liberation.
Gaddafi was a brutal tyrant, whose 'eccentricity' on the international stage had nothing funny or endearing about it from the point of view of the Libyan people. Nor for those abroad - including many UK families - who were victims of Libya's sponsorship of terrorism under his rule.
Even so, some people may feel unease about the circumstances in which the Libyan dictator came to be killed.
Gaddafi was a hated dictator and it is very hard indeed to lament his death. David Cameron was absolutely right to reject triumphalism and to urge people instead to think of the many thousands of victims of Gaddafi's brutal regime.
The television footage of tens of thousands of Libyans celebrating their liberation after 42 years of dictatorship was truly inspiring. The National Transitional Council has now set out a clear plan for democratic elections. The huge turnout at the elections in neighbouring Tunisia at the weekend shows that the demand for democracy is huge.
Once the elation of the present moment has passed, the people of Libya will start out on a very difficult road. We must continue to do what we can to support them in their pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.
It was right that the UK, at the head of a broad coalition, came to their aid when Gaddafi threatened to crush the Libyan uprising. Not for the first time in recent years, we owe a debt to those in our armed services who made our participation possible.
After the controversy of the Iraq war, our intervention to support the Libyan people has shown that it is possible to act decisively with the support of international law in a cause which is just.
Now we must work hard to build a relationship with the emerging new Libya founded on equality and mutual respect. It is that opportunity - and what we make of it - which offers the real dividend in North Africa and the Middle East.
Mobile phone coverage
THE UK Government recently announced some £150 million of investment in providing greater mobile phone network coverage across rural areas.
I know that poor mobile phone signal is a problem which still affects many homes and businesses - especially in rural communities like those in Strathspey.
With more people relying on mobiles, the standard of reception is becoming more and more important, including in emergency situations and along major transport corridors.
The new mobile infrastructure development will enable rural users to access not only the 2G network, but 3G also; and will provide a foundation for a future 4G upgrade.
It is expected that the improvement will significantly improve communication for businesses and consumers across the Highlands.
Through our involvement in the Coalition Government at Westminster, Liberal Democrats have pushed for improvements in mobile coverage - up from previous official targets of 95%.
This latest investment will increase the percentage of users receiving adequate coverage and assist the 5-10% of people who live in areas with poor or non-existent reception.
Along with the ongoing work to bring improved broadband to all areas of the Highlands, this investment in our mobile signal network is part of a concerted effort to improve rural communication - bringing real benefits both to business and individual users.
I am determined to make sure the Highlands are not left at the back of the queue for telecommunications technology improvements. If anything, we should be taking the opportunity to lead the way.
