Being powerful is a lot like being a woman: If you have to tell someone that you are, invariably, you are not.

There is much to be said for trying to improve some disadvantaged people’s lot. There is nothing to be said for trying to create heaven on earth.

As a motive for terror, religion has more often than not required a good deal of lubrication by lucre.

When I'm out of politics I'm going to run a business, it'll be called rent-a-spine

Our children need strong families raising them with sturdy virtues, not to be smothered in the cold arms of the state.

One of my favourite quotations is: 'That which thy father bequeathed thee, earn it anew, if thou wouldst possess it.'

Forget that I'm a woman. Forget the accusations that I am a Right Winger demanding privilege - I had precious little privilege in my early years.