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

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.

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.

Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be lamentable.

Do not let arrogance go to your head and despair to your heart.

Never let anyone take away your dreams.

Exciting happiness is joy, celebration, travelling, being in bed with a woman you desire.

Those religions that are oppressive to women are also against democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.

For whom all winds are quiet as the sun,/ All waters as the shore.

I am a big admirer of Paul Scholes, he is one of the best players of his generation.

How lucky I was to have played for the Pittsburgh Steelers fans. A proud, hard-working people, who loves their football, and their players.

Life can change in an instant; don't be so worried about the future that you forget to celebrate what you have right now.

I grew up in dance class, so I was looking in mirrors all day.

Some women can touch a man and heal like Jesus. The man who sees sunrise from a Belle woman's bed will swear he's been born again.