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

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

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.

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.

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.