I'm a lifelong believer in trade unionism.

To run an effective political party you need a degree of tribalism, it's the glue that holds everyone together.

Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.

The quicker we get rid of the lobby system the better for all of us. I don't think in this day and age it is tenable to have these nods and winks, and on-the-record and off-the-record briefings.

Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.

Three simple words - freedom, justice and honesty. These sum up what the Liberal Democrats stand for.

Paddy Ashdown is the only party leader who's a trained killer. Although, to be fair, Mrs Thatcher was self taught.

We should have high expectations of our children, but politicians should not tell teachers how to meet them.

My favourite novel is Frederick Forsythe's Day Of The Jackal, the story about the unproven case of this apparent Englishman who was hired to assassinate De Gaulle….

Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.

The one thing we can all be sure about in politics is you are as well to expect the unexpected.

In any government, interests precede truth.

Tightened his bootlaceSharpened his bladeThe Hunter walked along and prayedFor tonight's prey--Song Of the Hunter

I won and I get to scream and jump a little. But I got to go back to work tomorrow.

When asked if he was a basketball player he replied No I clean giraffe ears.

The thought, the deadly thought of solitude.

You have to be a little crazy to be a downhill skier.

Kill a man's family, and he may brook it, But keep your hands out of his breeches' pocket.

The destiny of world civilization depends upon providing a decent standard of living for all mankind.

Love is an overarching style of relating to another.

If you look at anyone who has achieved great success and wealth, people like Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, or Lance Armstrong, they have all focused intensely in order to win.