The lessons from the peace process are clear; whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.

In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognise how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945.

I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast.

We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.

The world is not the most pleasant place. Eventually, your parents leave you and nobody is going to go out of their way to protect you unconditionally. You need to learn to stand up for yourself and what you believe and sometimes, pardon my language, kick some ass.

It has turned out to be an annus horribilis.

[To the suggestion that Great Britain might someday want a Republic:] We'll go quietly.