If the United States leads a multinational force into Iraq without United Nations backing, Canada should fight beside its neighbour. We've gone from being a middle power to a muddle power on this one.

You can't have a discussion about Israel and the region without including Iran and their nuclear ambitions.

I don't think we're ever going to be in a position where we can say this is the template, this is the checklist, that must be met [for intervention].

We have to stress our conservative credentials and emphasize that we are the natural, national alternative to the Liberals. Clearly the Alliance has shown it can't break out of its Western box. The Alliance is at single-digit support in three quarters of the country.

I want to lead the Progressive Conservative Party, a party that will promote true conservative values and principles. I can tell you right now, I am not the merger candidate. I am not interested in institutional marriages with other parties.

There is no more dangerous country in the world today than Pakistan.

I've been called treacherous, stupid, venal, lazy ..and that's only by the Tories.

I feel guilty about spending so much time away from home and loved ones.

I find happiness comes from numerous sources in my life. Most often, the happy moments I cherish most are quiet moments with my wife and family back home in Nova Scotia.

My gut tells me and continues to tell me that the Conservative party is on a road back to government.