Only the Liberal Democrats have probed the government's failings consistently, thoroughly and effectively.
We opposed unlimited detention without trial. We stood up for trial by jury as well. And of course we spoke up for asylum seekers and for the most vulnerable in our society.
I believe that our country is a richer, more vibrant society precisely because it is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society.
Tony Blair took us to war in Iraq on the basis of the supposed threat of Saddam's weapons of mass destruction.
It must be a judge - never a politician - who decides whether someone is to be locked up.
We all accept the world would be safer without Saddam's baleful dictatorship.
If British troops are committed to action, then the nation will, of course, support them. Their courage and skill is not in doubt.
We believe that government in Britain is there to protect people from terrorism and from the worst criminality, but never at the expense of our civil liberties and the basic tenets of our legal system.
We want a strong, vibrant economy for Britain so that we can set out a clear and affordable alternative programme for government.
We believe that government in Britain should be working to restore our reputation on the international stage after Iraq and engage better within Europe.
We believe that government in Britain should improve the quality of people's lives and improve the quality of our public services in every local community.
It is the government's fundamental duty to ensure the security of every individual citizen.
Just as we Liberal Democrats opposed the flawed logic of that war in Iraq - we will oppose the flawed government claim that we have to surrender our fundamental rights in order to improve our security.
Public perception of the Westminster arena, with all its posturings, does little to engender a sense of voter belief.
The growing influence of focus groups means we are all in danger of being excessively cowed by their feedback.
I did not dwell on the issue of Europe during either the 2001 or the 2005 campaigns - despite it being a pivotal personal concern and despite seeing it as something of a litmus test for liberal democracy.
As someone who has led his party through two general elections, I have not always been immune from feeling the pressure of electioneering tactics.
As a Scot, representing a Scottish constituency for almost the past 25 years, I do not harbour an overweening ambition to pronounce on each and every matter exclusively English.
A smaller-size party and parliamentary membership does not necessarily equate to lesser demands; if anything, the opposite can be the case.
We must restore faith in politics. Reform of the House of Lords is only one part of the answer, but it is a vital one.
