A global deal will only be possible if Britain plays its part, leading the way with other developed countries.

People rightly want our political leaders - on all sides - to concentrate on minimising the damage to jobs, living standards and our savings from the banking crisis.

At times unpopular measures are needed in order to change behaviour.

Like many of my friends and colleagues, I can't get enough of Obama news; latest polling, speeches, visits, reaction of world leaders.

There's a loss of faith in the banking system that for so long has been the backbone of prosperity and growth.

Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.

In politics, the number of women in the cabinet has fallen and, if current poll trends continue and Labour loses a number of marginal seats, the number of female MPs is likely to drop significantly.

Indeed, when all parties campaign effectively the overall effect is to push up voting rates, as you see in tight marginal seats or close general elections. That must be good for democracy.

Today the demands are for even higher standards in the quality of care, for greater flexibility and convenience in treatment times, and for more prevention through screening and health checks.

At its most basic the democratic contract is a simple one: the right to vote comes with a responsibility to society, through tax payments and citizenship.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds pay taxes and can join the army, so surely they should in turn be given their right to vote.

In relationships, always strive to give more than you take -- that's how you make a bigger impact.

I won't cry because it came to an end, but I will smile because it happened

Sometimes losing everything is the only way to begin.

If the opposite of certainty is doubt, humility must lie somewhere between the two,

Mankind has created many religions

If I want religion, I know where to look for it - and if for example I don't want it, then why should it be forced on me in media and public spaces?

Look for strength in people, not weakness; for good, not evil. Most of us find what we search for.

The possession of a great many things, even the best of things, tends to blind one to the real value of anything.

When you first assemble a group, it's not a team right off the bat. It's only a collection of individuals

The wars come and go in blood and tears; but whether they are bad wars, or what are comically called good wars, they are of one effect in death and sorrow.