Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.
Charles Kennedy
The most special relationships, in my experience, are based on a combination of trust and mutual respect.
Three simple words - freedom, justice and honesty. These sum up what the Liberal Democrats stand for.
Immigrants provide skills that we simply cannot afford to do without. They have contributed hugely to Britain's success.
Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.
By common consent, most European countries support the maintenance of robust welfare states and are comfortable with taxation systems that support them.
Quality of life actually begins at home - it's in your street, around your community.
Gratification and happiness are becoming important measures of our quality of life.
As Liberal Democrats and proponents of federalism, we must put our heads above the parapet and recapture and disseminate the true meaning of federalism. We have to win the vocabulary before we succeed in the vision.
This country has a proud history of opening its doors to generations of people fleeing personal persecution, civil unrest and war.
I'm a fully paid-up member of the human race.
Useful lessons can be learned from our more successful local authorities - as you move into government, it is even more imperative to communicate speedily and persuasively with your members and your voters.
My health is good and it's up to me to keep it that way.
There is no satisfaction to be derived from having had many of our arguments borne out by events.
'Federalism', in the context of political and media usage in Britain, has come to mean the creation and imposition of a European superstate, one centralised in Brussels.
Good political leadership for me involves getting the big decisions right - however difficult, however controversial, however potentially divisive - and then being able to take people with you.
I should do something about the cigarettes; I quite accept that it's bad for your health, but you know a moderate tipple is positively beneficial and, at certain times, absolutely essential.
I'm not someone who dwells upon past events, taking the view that life is too short.
The growing influence of focus groups means we are all in danger of being excessively cowed by their feedback.
We need a liberal agenda in which government resists the temptation to interfere in the lives of individuals but is equally determined to play an active role where creative action can advance the liberties of all.
I believe that access to a university education should be based on the ability to learn, not what people can afford. I think there is no more nauseating a sight than politicians pulling up the ladder of opportunity behind them.
No government body is more notorious for over-legislation than the Department of Trade and Industry.
I will go out of this world feet first with my Lib Dem membership card in my pocket.
I couldn't imagine a day without music. It relaxes and stimulates me in equal measure and I hate the sound of silence - the concept, I mean, not the track by Simon and Garfunkel.
I can hardly think of an occasion when I've got into a stand-up fight with any political opponent. I've got my views, people know what they are, they can agree or they can choose to disagree. I'm not going to waste time just rubbishing everybody else.
I find no contradiction between being a Highlander, a Scot, a citizen of the U.K. and a citizen of the European Union at one and the same time.
Further Education should be about the ability to learn, not the ability to pay - everyone who is able should have the opportunity, regardless of their family background. I don't want to see students struggling with huge debts or frightened off even going to university in the first place.
Politics means facing up to hard choices and facing down prejudice, short-termism, the easy, tempting court of knee-jerk public reaction.
The terrorist seeks to smash the most fundamental liberty of all: the right to lead our everyday lives on the basic assumption of safety.
The way to defeat international terrorism is through international cooperation based on international law, clear intelligence, and a measured and appropriate military response.
Westminster is a jungle - and the hunter can always smell fear on its prey.
I believe when the country feels threatened it is important that we are seen to be working together to find an appropriate structure for dealing with terrorists in our midst.
Terrorism gravely threatens international peace and security, and as a solution, the power and apparent finality of force are seductive.
There is always a temptation for governments: see a problem and announce a quick fix.
People have a huge desire to be listened to, for politicians to take the time to understand their problems.
When it comes to our public services, decentralisation means giving power back to those on the front line - our doctors, nurses, teachers and physiotherapists, and our locally elected officials.
Politics is much too serious to be taken too seriously; equally, there are many aspects of it so laughable as to be lamentable.
Valuing public servants would boost morale among those on the front line of implementing government policy.
It's our job as Liberal Democrats to be an effective opposition - and an increasingly tough one as well.
To involve young people and make sure that the system is more relevant to them in Scotland, we have a clear obligation to implement a policy of home rule.
Whatever the eventual judgment, the political implications of Hutton are already clear. A devastating indictment of Labour in power - and of our political system itself.
If you were to describe me as teetotal, on behalf of my constituency I'd have to sue; that would lose me every vote in the Highlands.
Democracy demands trust. It demands that sense of mutual understanding. And - it's a two way street. You've got to give - as much as you take.
Of all the principles which constitute Liberal Democracy, internationalism is the clearest, the most distinctive, and the one with the longest history.
It is my determination that we, as a party, continue to make that fundamental restatement of liberal values in the politics of our country.
Some ministers are fond of talking about a return to Victorian values. We must realise that those Victorian values are being expressed by some of the younger people in this society in shameful and disturbing disregard for other members of their generation who are not as fortunate as they are in having a job.
With every day that passes, David Blunkett becomes more insensitive in his language and more intemperate in his actions.
Liberal Democracy is all about extending choice. Give people the option to decide their retirement age, and you immediately extend their freedom in a very significant way.
It would be a tragedy if the remarkable international coalition against terrorism, successfully marshalled in the aftermath of 11 September, were to fragment over a unilateral U.S. strike against Baghdad.
I have always considered myself of the reforming centre-left.
