I've committed myself to serve my constituents in South Shields and I have committed myself to British politics.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I think people see me as someone very much associated with political agreement and, probably more than anything else, being able to build a relationship with loyalist leaders Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson.
I've been in Parliament since 1983, and I've been involved in many issues over the time.
I suppose I've always carried what is regarded as a bit of unnecessary baggage in Britain. I've always carried the charge that I am an intellectual in politics.
The British have given me good support for the last 8 years and have always believed in me.
I'm highly political. I spend an awful lot of time in the U.S. trying to influence decision-makers. But I don't feel in tune with British politics.
It is true that I entered parliament at the age of 23, and have now been representing the people of my constituency for over twenty years.
There's no secret about my ambition, I do not want to go into the House of Commons. My only real political interest is in London and if one day I'm in a position to run for mayor, then terrific.
I'm committed as governor to valuing and nurturing our relationships with our friends to the south.
I have moved on from being a British parliamentarian, I have moved on from being a New Labour politician, I have moved on from being the supporter in the active day-to-day sense of Tony Blair.
Basically, I have no place in organized politics. By coming to the British Parliament, I've allowed the people to sacrifice me at the top and let go the more effective job I should be doing at the bottom.