In no relationship at the top of any walk of life is it always easy, least of all in politics which matters so much and which is conducted in such a piercing spotlight.

In government you carry each hope; each disillusion. And in politics it's always about the next challenge.

She transformed the politics not just of Northern Ireland itself, but crucially of relations between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and it was this transformation that created the culture in which peace-making could flourish.

The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.

cement the new modern relationship between Britain and India.

If you are trying to take a difficult decision and you're weighing up the pros and cons, you have frank conversations. Everybody knows this in their walk of life.