This is my decision, it's nothing to do with British politics, it's nothing to do with Tony Blair and No 10.
- Dr Mo Mowlam, on why she is leaving politics
As far as I am concerned she has damaged unionism. She went into the Maze and told people like Johnny Adair that they were the unsung heroes of the peace process. We are still mopping up the mess . . . I wish she had resigned before she ever became Secretary of State.
- Mr Ian Paisley jnr, DUP spokesperson, of Dr Mowlam
I want to wish her and her family the very best for the future. The people of Ireland will forever be in her debt for the enormous contribution she made to peace in our country.
- The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen
In 1989, gunmen in Belfast were two a penny and we knew that this went much beyond that. We're looking for the people behind this, the people who sanctioned it, the people who had the policy in Northern Ireland and who allowed this sort of thing to happen.
- Ms Geraldine Finucane, widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Mr Pat Finucane
His death is a huge tragedy, because it is an ultimate rejection and abuse of the gift that life is. What happened to Brian was wrong and goes against everything we know to be good.
- Father Gerard Tyrell, chief celebrant at the funeral of 18-year-old Brian Murphy, who died in an assault outside a Dublin nightclub
He was a wonderful father, son, brother and friend. He was always very special to us. But as a family we have been overwhelmed by the extent to which he related to so many people in such a personal way and how they have shared our sense of love and loss.
- Mr John Bowman, father of Jonathan Philbin Bowman, in a statement following the inquest into his son's death
It has created for me and all of my colleagues a lot of grief, and we are sensible and sane people. We learn from experiences and we'll get on with it and try to do better next time.
- The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, talking about the O'Flaherty debacle
I am beyond grateful for the times we have circled the globe together. And if those travels have changed minds in countries where daughters are not as prized as sons - well, all the better.
- Mrs Hillary Clinton, of her daughter, Chelsea
There are black people who are Irish and Irish people who are black, and they are not all footballers or singers. They are normal people.
- Ms Rose Tuelo Brock, of the Galway One World Centre
I've been married three times, divorced twice, had numerous lovers, five abortions, and lived to tell the tale.
- Eastenders actress Barbara Windsor
Depression is a spiritual crisis. You cannot be depressed when you are involved with life.
- Former depressive Kieran McCormac, of Minds Matter, a consumer advocacy group