There are too many people who imagine that there is something sophisticated about always believing the best of those who hate your country, and the worst of those who defend it.

You want to keep more of the money you earn? I'm afraid that's very selfish. We shall want to tax that away. You want to own shares in your firm? We can't have that. The state has to own your firm. You want to choose where to send your children to school? That's very divisive. You'll send your child where we tell you.

When you've spent half your political life dealing with humdrum issues like the environment, it's exciting to have a real crisis on your hands.

I was brought up by a Victorian Grandmother. We were taught to work jolly hard. We were taught to prove yourself; we were taught self reliance; we were taught to live within our income. You were taught that cleanliness is next to Godliness. You were taught self respect. You were taught always to give a hand to your neighbour. You were taught tremendous pride in your country. All of these things are Victorian values. They are also perennial values. You don't hear so much about these things these days, but they were good values and they led to tremendous improvements in the standard of living.

It's a funny old world.

I think Essex Man will vote for a Conservative Government.

If it's me against 48, I feel sorry for the 48.