"These are tough times and under this Tory-led government many people in Manchester are suffering and getting left behind. If elected I will use all my energy, skills, experience and knowledge to stand up for our communities and get things done for the better."

"What the Lib Dems have failed to do is offer any meaningful agenda for government or for power."

"As the prospect of a Tory government gets nearer, many traditional Labour voters - some who switched away in recent times and many who stayed at home - seem more determined to prevent that happening."

"As the economy faces such difficulties, more tough questions need to be asked about what the Tories would do if elected. Their ideology of free markets and small government needs challenging. That has to be part of our job."

"War is a contagion."

"A steadfast commander remains calm when the storm rages fiercest. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows."

"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind."

"What the Lib Dems have failed to do is offer any meaningful agenda for government or for power."