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

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.

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

Some stories aren’t black and white…

You know, I grew up on romantic comedies, and it's hard to find a new way to tell that story.

Appeal. In law, to put the dice into the box for another throw.

every time I've held a rose, It seems I only felt the thorns

Losses and crosses are heavy to bear; but when our hearts are right with God, it is wonderful how easy the yoke becomes.

When I was 12, I happened to see a schoolmate playing percussion, and it looked interesting. I asked for lessons, and it felt right.

I started playing professional basketball in 1971, and I played professionally for five seasons before going to Philadelphia.

I want to be a blonde vampire. Catherine Deneuve was a blonde vampire, and she was my favourite vampire ever.

The rich swell up with pride, the poor from hunger.

Do not mistake desire for love. Desire leaves home in a frantic search for one gratification after another. Love is at home with itself.