I think that what most surprises anybody who goes into politics from even a modestly cerebral background is the vulgarity of much of the cut and thrust of politics.

Anyone who supposed that when Margaret Thatcher left Number Ten she was going to take a Trappist vow did not know that formidable politician.

In democracy everyone has the right to be represented, even the jerks.

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.

There is a sort of exotic preposterousness about a lot of elections, the way arguments are made even cruder.

I don't think that capitalism should be unbridled, if by "unbridled" you mean unregulated.

I believe in trying to get a balance between individual freedom on the one hand and social responsibility on the other.