Some argue that now isn't the time to push the green agenda - that all efforts should be on preventing a serious recession. That is a false choice. It fails to recognise that climate change and our carbon reliance is part of problem - high fuel prices and food shortages due to poor crop yields compound today's financial difficulties.
At times unpopular measures are needed in order to change behaviour.
Sixteen- and 17-year-olds pay taxes and can join the army, so surely they should in turn be given their right to vote.
In Scotland, the indication is that for the Westminster elections at least, Labour voters are satisfied with their government.
I will take a short time out from being in Parliament when the baby is born but I'll still be doing my constituency work - just with another baby in tow.
People rightly want our political leaders - on all sides - to concentrate on minimising the damage to jobs, living standards and our savings from the banking crisis.
These are tough times and under this Tory-led government many people in Manchester are suffering and getting left behind. If elected I will use all my energy, skills, experience and knowledge to stand up for our communities and get things done for the better.
Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.
Like many of my friends and colleagues, I can't get enough of Obama news; latest polling, speeches, visits, reaction of world leaders.
The Tories seem unable to make any impact north of the border.
The era of industrial Britain, where a large section of our workforce provided cheap labour in factories and processing goods is over.
At its most basic the democratic contract is a simple one: the right to vote comes with a responsibility to society, through tax payments and citizenship.
The cost of motoring is a massive issue at the moment, there's no question. The price of petrol goes up every time you go to the petrol station.
There's a loss of faith in the banking system that for so long has been the backbone of prosperity and growth.
The choice between a Labour government and a Tory one is sharpening minds.
It's estimated that by 2030 there will be virtually no unskilled jobs in the British economy.
I'm honoured to have been selected to be the Labour candidate for Manchester Central.
I just hope that the democratic will of the Zimbabwean people prevails. If it does we must move quickly to help restore stability and prosperity.
Connecting people to jobs and to each other is absolutely vital to a city's economy (and to the wider economy).
Even though I support the blue side of Manchester's football heritage, I don't really mind that wherever I go in the world it's not Manchester City that starts the conversation. 'Ah, yes, Manchester United,' is the response when I say where I come from. It's commonplace everywhere - in Europe, Africa, Asia and even the U.S.
Today the demands are for even higher standards in the quality of care, for greater flexibility and convenience in treatment times, and for more prevention through screening and health checks.
When the heart stops for one beat it is desire, when it stops for one life time it is love
Events are moving so fast and what in one moment seems impossible, the next is happening. I'm sure historians will, in time, provide theories and analysis, but for now I think most of us simply want the tide stemmed.
Both the velodrome and the Commonwealth swimming pool are open to the public and are frequently used by local schools and the local community. Over the last six years young people have been inspired to take up swimming and cycling more seriously; some of them are now coming through as Olympic champions or hopefuls.
You're wrong if you think young people don't deserve the vote.
