My approach is always to try to be straight with people, especially about what my party can achieve.

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

There is no satisfaction to be derived from having had many of our arguments borne out by events.

I have never once been persuaded as to the causal link between the Iraqi regime, al-Qaeda and September 11. I do believe the impact of war under these circumstances is bound to weaken the international coalition against terrorism itself.

I'm a fully paid-up member of the human race.

Further Education should be about the ability to learn, not the ability to pay - everyone who is able should have the opportunity, regardless of their family background. I don't want to see students struggling with huge debts or frightened off even going to university in the first place.

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