I think that former leaders are best seen occasionally and not too often heard - particularly on the subject of their successors!

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.

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

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.

There is no satisfaction to be derived from having had many of our arguments borne out by events.

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.