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.

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

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

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

We should have high expectations of our children, but politicians should not tell teachers how to meet them.

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.