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.

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.

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.

Man’s noblest endowment is his capacity to change.

To plunder, to lie, to show your arse, are three essentials for climbing high.

I've had a lot of different experiences in music over the years.And not everything you do can satisfy everybody's idealised version of you.

Everyone is going to prang out at some point. I don't worry about that stuff too much because most things can be sorted out with a chat, a cup of tea and an arm wrestle.

When the woman is attractive, is it an interesting picture, or is it the woman? I had a lot of headaches with that, which was why it was interesting. I don't think I always got it straight.

The Ten Commandments being taken out of the public schools. I want them back.

Live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds.

Afflictions are meant for our spiritual benefit; we are sometimes tempted that we may learn to pray the more.

My journey is so similar to everyone elses journey, because we all are human. We all have been defeated by the powers of darkness, and we all find redemption in the light of Christ.

Men of high learning and abilities are few in every country; and by taking in those who are not so, the able part of the body have their hands tied by the unable.