It's estimated that by 2030 there will be virtually no unskilled jobs in the British economy.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds pay taxes and can join the army, so surely they should in turn be given their right to vote.

At its most basic the democratic contract is a simple one: the right to vote comes with a responsibility to society, through tax payments and citizenship.

As the economy faces such difficulties, more tough questions need to be asked about what the Tories would do if elected. Their ideology of free markets and small government needs challenging. That has to be part of our job.

When the heart stops for one beat it is desire, when it stops for one life time it is love

People rightly want our political leaders - on all sides - to concentrate on minimising the damage to jobs, living standards and our savings from the banking crisis.

Events are moving so fast and what in one moment seems impossible, the next is happening. I'm sure historians will, in time, provide theories and analysis, but for now I think most of us simply want the tide stemmed.