In this paper we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a common linear co-positive Lyapunov function for a finite set of linear positive systems. Both the state dependent and arbitrary switching cases are considered. Our results reveal an interesting characterisation of "linear" stability for the arbitrary switching case; namely, the existence of such a linear Lyapunov function can be related to the requirement that a number of extreme systems are Metzler and Hurwitz stable. Examples are given to illustrate the implications of our results. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.