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

There are hard choices to be made in balancing the country's security and an individual's liberties. But it is a choice that has to be faced.

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 being blinkered and oldfashioned.

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

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.

Politicians are good at saying how Government must do more, but we must also think carefully about where Government should do less.

Befriending provides a valuable lifeline to many people who feel isolated in their communities often as a result of ill health or poverty. I would like to thank all those who volunteer as befrienders and I hope that your numbers will increase in coming years. Your kindness and hard work is, I know, very much appreciated by those you help.