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I've been in Parliament since 1983, and I've been involved in many issues over the time.

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.

The reason why I'm in Parliament is not really to see my colleagues win power; it is to see us at last in a position where we can give it up.

My function in life is not to be a politician in Parliament: it is to get something done.

To every woman out there who thinks that they might like to get involved in politics or stand for parliament, I say go for it. If I can do it, so can you.

One consistent thing in an otherwise inconsistent career is that I've always been passionate about parliament.

I think politics can no longer be assigned to parliamentary activity and it probably never could be. But politics with a small p and the history of trade union movement really interests me.

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.

No-one is forced to stand for Parliament; no-one is compelled to become a minister. If you take on those roles, which are great privileges, you also take on big responsibilities.

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.