I am only too aware that I am open to Rees's Second Law of Quotation: "However sure you are that you have attributed a quotation correctly, an earlier source will be pointed out to you."

Democracy is too good to share with just anybody.

How come there's only one Monopolies Commission?

I was terribly shy and never said anything in class. Then I started getting into school plays. When you've got words to say, you've got a sort of armour.

Lord Castlerosse was taken to task by Nancy Astor over the size of his stomach. 'What would you say if that was on a woman?' she asked, pointedly. 'Half an hour ago it was,' he replied.

Rees's First Law of Quotations: When in doubt, ascribe all quotations to George Bernard Shaw.

It is part of politics to make things look better than they really are. What is a spin doctor but a serial euphemiser?

Euphemism in the workplace does not end with job descriptions. It reaches a pusillanimous peak at the other end of the work process - in dismissal.

I was broadcast-struck from an early age; I had saved up for a tape recorder and started making programmes.

People will say what they want to say, in the way they want to.

I was absolutely a non-starter at games. My report for rugby said, 'Nigel's chief contribution is his presence on the field.' I used to pray for rain and sometimes it did rain - and we played anyway.

A wise man once found peace in the practice of saying nothing, leaving the gossiper with no other choice but to fabricate gossip about a wise man saying nothing

When I don't say a word and you know exactly what I mean.

If you're in pitch blackness, all you can do is sit tight until your eyes get used to the dark.

God, I miss you," he said in a voice that cracked. "Every night. Every day.

Christianity is a faith in which God sent his Son to die for you.

If Serena Williams played the men's circuit she'd be like 700 in the world.

There is a lot of talk about a centre party - and that I might lead it. I find this idea profoundly unattractive

Hinduism is the mother of all religions

When I went from being an academic to being a member of the community of writers some of my former colleagues did look on me with a certain resentment.

The arrival of the unforeseen reveals the depths of one's heart.