I used to say in the cabinet room, 'confidence is not like a can of Popeye spinach - you can't take the top off and swallow it down.' You know, confidence has to be earned.

When the Berlin Wall came down the Americans cried, 'Victory,' and walked off the field.

One tires of combat, although I can still throw a punch, you know.

I always believed in burning up the government's political capital, not being Mr Safe Guy, you know?

You know, in the WikiLeaks cables, the Chinese discovered that Kevin Rudd was urging the Americans to keep the military option open against them. This is hardly a friendly gesture.

Well, Australians should speak for the national interests of Australia, and whatever role former Australian prime ministers may have, one of the things you do is speak frankly about the country as you see the country's best interests, you know?