They said it at the Lib Dem conference this week and the party faithful were privileged to hear it...

"I haven't read it yet, but I recommend it." Lib Dem MP Ed Davey on an Oxford University report about the internet.

"I represent the gender balance. I come from an all-women shortlist; I'm female and I'm fantastically short." Comedienne Sandi Toksvig showed she was on-side with the delegates.

"We must bomb this area but we must bomb it with food." Jenny Tonge, international development spokesman, gave the military strategists their marching hors d'oeuvres.

"Speaking as one of those who long ago won the fight against anorexia." CBI chief Digby Jones gave listeners the facts about his figure.

"Like a wave on the deck of a large ship, it causes a shudder without changing course." Lembit Opik found himself briefly all at sea.

"I'm sorry gentleman but you left your brains behind." Lecturer Ann Morrison told Brian Cotter and his friends to try harder over gender audits.