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.

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.

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 Scotland, the indication is that for the Westminster elections at least, Labour voters are satisfied with their government.

Life is a curriculum unique to every student.

Laughter is an essential ingredient of a happy life.

Nobody knows what's in him until he tries to pull it out. If there's nothing, or very little, the shock can kill a man.

Your dreams are the product of your longings, a portrait of your potential, and a promise of your future.

I am calling for common sense gun safety measures to protect people.

I don't have the ability to do a nine-to-five nor do I have the desire to. Stand-up is the only thing that's come completely naturally to me.

Genius must be born, it can't be taught.

Oh, the things that go through my mind that I never say. Oh, the things I say that never go through my mind.

Life forms a surface that acts as if it could not be otherwise, but under its skin things are pounding and pulsing.

Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can't. My attitude is always let it keep rolling.