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

For any new leader of any party at any given time it takes time if you are not in government to establish yourself.

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

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

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.

I have never once been persuaded as to the causal link between the Iraqi regime, al-Qaeda and September 11. I do believe the impact of war under these circumstances is bound to weaken the international coalition against terrorism itself.

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