To run an effective political party you need a degree of tribalism, it's the glue that holds everyone together..

You won't catch Liberal Democrats describing trade unionists as wreckers..

If you were to describe me as teetotal, on behalf of my constituency I'd have to sue; that would lose me every vote in the Highlands..

Paddy Ashdown is the only party leader who's a trained killer. Although, to be fair, Mrs Thatcher was self taught..

I couldn't imagine a day without music. It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure and I hate the sound of silence - the concept, I mean, not the ….

It is true that I entered parliament at the age of 23, and have now been representing the people of my constituency for over twenty years..

I am genuinely not an over-the-top kind of person about politics or anything else..

Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success..

My health is good and it's up to me to keep it that way..

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, an….

I can hardly think of an occasion when I've got into a stand-up fight with any political opponent. I've got my views, people know what they are, they….

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 m….

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

My idealism has not abated, but I have witnessed it withering away nationwide, to the point where at least among the young, to have ideals is akin to….

I'm not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short.

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 assassin….

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

I think that former leaders are best seen occasionally and not too often heard - particularly on the subject of their successors!.

I do think there is a great deal of caricature around the House of Commons. It is just that kind of place..

I don't want a headline saying 'Kennedy suggests this or implies that.'.

I should do something about the cigarettes; I quite accept that it's bad for your health, but you know a moderate tipple is positively beneficial and….