I don't think at my age... you can start ruling people out in politics.

I am certainly not a blogger. Quite a large proportion of them are nuts and extremists - with the honourable exception of the culture secretary.

It would be immoral to walk away from the consequences of our actions, leaving behind anarchy and civil war in Iraq.

However, we do not lack anti-terrorist laws. I do not believe that the recent London bombs were the result of any deficiencies in our legal system.

I don't think at my age... you can start ruling people out in politics.

I am sorry to upset my colleagues by saying we wasted four years in opposition, but if you do get so badly defeated as a party you do have to face up to some painful facts and you do have to change.

I have acquired a deep and abiding respect for all those engaged in the difficult business of commerce.