"Yes, you need substance in politics - but I think your style also says something about how you arrive at some of your conclusions."

"My health is good and it's up to me to keep it that way."

"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."

"I want to see far more decisions taken far closer to the patients, the passengers and the pupils. Far more power for locally and regionally elected politicians who understand best the needs of their areas. And far more say too for the dedicated staff at all levels in health and education."

"Some people ask, 'How do you attract the young and so many different people when your poetry is complicated and different?' I say, 'My accomplishment is that my readers trust me and accept my suggestions for change.'"

"Once you are labeled 'the best' you want to stay up there, and you can't do it by loafing around."

"I don't care if I get $50m to do a film."

"Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us concentrate our energy."