But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and to stick to it is, I think, the essence of political leadership.

You don't have to wait until people say they accept everything you say until you are actually prepared to sit down and discuss matters with them.

It is curious that atheists have proved to be so intolerant of those who have a faith.

It is a sort of great Victorian truth that actually, trying to do the right thing is pretty good for you and pretty good for business as well, by and large.

I think that if politics is just about getting your backside on important seats, then it's a pretty worthless endeavor.

But the ability to articulate what you are doing, to be clear about it, and to stick to it is, I think, the essence of political leadership.

I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in Britain. I've always carried the charge that I am an intellectual in politics.