It's about being a fully paid up member of the human race before being a fully paid up member of the Labour Party.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | In full: Tony Blair's speech

His suggestions on expanding the types of candidates being fielded struck a chord with Tyson Greaves, a 63-year-old party member from San Jose who said pushing for diversity within the party is crucial.

NPR: Rove: GOP Needs Candidates Who Reflect Diversity

"We want to avoid being called merchants of death, " says Akihisa Nagashima, a pro-defense Democratic Party member of Japan's lower house.

FORBES: Japan Weapons, Inc.

Mr Samaras, whose New Democracy party is a member of the governing coalition, said any rebels would face being dropped as parliamentary candidates.

BBC: Greece bailout: PM Lucas Papademos gives final warning

Mrs Arroyo is in the peculiar position of being both a member of the president's cabinet and a leading figure in the main opposition party, created by Mr Ramos.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

He became a party member in 1949, the year the People's Republic was founded, even though his being the nephew of a minor Nationalist official might be considered politically suspect.

CNN: THE MAN WITH THE IRON FACE