A careful and sympathetic sense of humour can also be a great asset when there is need to get out of difficult situations gracefully.

The House Of Commons has never been a tea-party. It consists of strong-minded, often very idealistic people, who are trying to accomplish something for our country. We are inheritors of an adversarial system and that, in itself, fosters conflict.

Debates must take place in an atmosphere of courtesy.

Democracy is not a form of government. It is a political philosophy that can be embodied in various systems of government.

Question Period is not part of the legislative process,and has nothing to do with it. It is a means of monitoring the Executive that the Government cannot evade.

But while the American Constitution was the child of war, ours grew out of discussion, bargaining and negotiation.

In the long and dogged crusade that the human race has fought in favor of democracy, the ideal of liberty, of freedom, has always been the goal.