We Liberal Democrats believe in dialogue. We believe in cooperation with both sides of industry and between both sides of industry. And we believe in the language of cooperation. We reject the language of confrontation.

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

Actually, I think it's quite sensible not to take yourself too seriously.

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.

Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.

Yes, you need substance in politics - but I think your style also says something about how you arrive at some of your conclusions.

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.