Like John Major in her wake, Thatcher was convinced that she understood the Scots - yet couldn't understand why we remained so stubbornly resistant towards the notion of understanding her.
From Charles Kennedy
I have always considered myself of the reforming centre-left.
Labour politicians for generations have fought to bring democracy to the House of Lords.
We must restore faith in politics. Reform of the House of Lords is only one part of the answer, but it is a vital one.
A smaller-size party and parliamentary membership does not necessarily equate to lesser demands; if anything, the opposite can be the case.
As a Scot, representing a Scottish constituency for almost the past 25 years, I do not harbour an overweening ambition to pronounce on each and every matter exclusively English.
As someone who has led his party through two general elections, I have not always been immune from feeling the pressure of electioneering tactics.
I did not dwell on the issue of Europe during either the 2001 or the 2005 campaigns - despite it being a pivotal personal concern and despite seeing it as something of a litmus test for liberal democracy.
Public perception of the Westminster arena, with all its posturings, does little to engender a sense of voter belief.
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.
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