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 should do something about the cigarettes; I quite accept that it's bad for your health, but you know a moderate tipple is positively beneficial and, at certain times, absolutely essential.

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.

I couldn't imagine a day without music. It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure and I hate the sound of silence - the concept, I mean, not the track by Simon and Garfunkel.

It is true that I entered parliament at the age of 23, and have now been representing the people of my constituency for over twenty years.

Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be lamentable.

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