Is there conscience in the Kremlin? Do they ever ask themselves what is the purpose of life? What is it all for?... No. Their creed is barren of conscience, immune to the promptings of good and evil.

Please don't use the word tough. People might get the impression that I don't care. And I do care, very deeply. Resilient, I think.

I don't think there will be a woman Prime Minister in my lifetime.

As the former dissident Vladimir Bukovsky once remarked – referring to the Russian proverb to the effect that you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs – he had seen plenty of broken eggs, but never tasted any omelette.

I've learned one thing in politics. You don't take a decision until you have to.

Let us never forget this fundamental truth: The State has no source of money other than the money people themselves earn.

I'm not a good butcher but I've had to learn to carve the joint. People expect a new look.