It is important not to allow ever wider coalition-building to become an end in itself. As we saw in the Gulf War of 1990, international pressures, particularly those exerted from within an alliance, can result in the failure to follow actions through and so leave future problems unresolved.

I don't think any woman in power really has a happy life unless she's got a large number of women friends ... because you sometimes must go and sit down and let down your hair with someone you can trust totally.

The Prime Minister is stealing our clothes but he is going to look pretty ridiculous walking around in mine.

When you stop a dictator, there are always risks. But there are greater risks in not stopping a dictator.

Any attempts by any government to change Community legislation to its own wishes are doomed to failure following the extension of policy areas now subject to majority voting... In our opinion, this must have serious implications for the traditional view of Parliament as a legislative body sovereignty.

There are always dangers about. Therefore you must always keep your defences strong.

I wasn't lucky. I deserved it.