There are significant differences between the American and European version of capitalism. The American traditiionally emphasizes the need for limited government, light regulations, low taxes and maximum labour-market flexibility. Its success has been shown above all in the ability to create new jobs, in which it is consistently more successful than Europe.

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

To be free is better than to be unfree – always. Any politician who suggests the opposite should be treated as suspect.

I have never knowingly made a non-controversial speech in my life.

We're saying to anyone who dares to attack us, Do not do it, you couldn't win, the result would be devastating! I think you're saying the same.

Freedom will destroy itself if it is not exercised within some sort of moral framework, some body of shared beliefs, some spiritual heritage transmitted through the Church, the family, and the school.

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.