I think the record shows that as Speaker, I have taken the lead in cleaning up politics.

I've never been much given to little social cliques.

Fairness is not about statistical equality.

If someone is being very cheeky, it can be quite fun to deal with that situation.

For far too long the House of Commons has been run as little more than a private club by and for gentleman amateurs.

I pride myself on being courteous to people, and trying to fashion good relations.

I am seeking every day to restore faith in Parliament - to ensure we have a House of Commons which is representative, effective and reconnected to the people we serve.

I never aspired to be Speaker simply so I could say, 'I am the Speaker of the House of Commons,' and tell my children that.

I don't want to crawl over the entrails of past disputes.

It's a cowardly form of politics to use my spouse to beat me.

A legislature cannot be effective while suffering from public scorn.

As time goes by, westart to see more clearly, and are able to see thatit wasn’t all bad, and thatperhaps just perhapsthe breakup was a gift.

It is impossible to credit one gender with every good and perfect gift without slighting the other. That’s what extreme diversity does to us.

Sii la mia schiava d’amore, ” I purr.Her expression is guarded. “What did you say?”An amused smile pulls at my lips. “I’ll never tell.” Somehow, I don’t think she’d agree to be my love slave anyway.

Don't wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect.

Often a noble face hides filthy ways.

What you try to do, as an actor, is just make it work somehow.

People ask me why I wear veils. I reply, I am mourning. Mourning what? Well I figure something shitty must be going on somewhere.

I wonder if I could make an electric bass.

I love playing and working on music. It is something that I feel really lucky to be able to spend my life doing. And I don't sleep much!

If one has one cow, it is always better not to be too familiar with those who have seven.