I think the deafness affects me more than I realise I think it makes me more tired. I loathe parties. I attend, smile and leave.

I enjoy what Twitter is because I can really connect with the fans and it's a great way to share information with them and it's also a great way to entertain. I like being able to put a smile on people's faces and letting them know what I'm doing.

People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile.

We may smile at these matters, but they are melancholy illustrations.

I hope there have been times when I made you all proud, or made you all smile or at least piqued your interest in this wonderful institution we call government.