The regional parties have emerged as a strong force, and they, too, deserve a place in national politics.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Local politics, like everything else, are not what they used to be. But the fact is that our political system - like our physical existence - still breaks down along geographical lines.
Major political parties have a role, but they are incapable of initiating fundamental change because they are fundamentally tied to the status quo. They are the status quo.
I am more convinced than ever that a lively two party system is essential to our democracy.
Periods of cooperation between political parties shouldn't be taken for granted; they are a stunning human achievement.
Dogmatic ideological parties tend to splinter the political and social fabric of a nation.
To run an effective political party you need a degree of tribalism, it's the glue that holds everyone together.
And under our system, much like you see in the U.K., of course, a party working with another party can form a coalition and govern the country.
Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
Our success as a party will largely be determined by how well we do here in the heartland... The time has come to be secure about our values. The time has come to lead.
We have always been a great national party, with views on all the main issues. We recognise that what matters to people most are those things that affect their daily lives: schools, hospitals, transport and law and order and we have plenty to say about them.