Burke is the best model for what might be called politicians of the possible - politicians who seek to make a working peace, not in some perfect world that never was, but in this, the flawed world which is our only workshop.
- The North's First Minister, David Trimble, refers to the 18th-century Irish political philosopher, Edmund Burke, in his lecture at the Nobel awards ceremony
Most profoundly of all, we owe this peace to the ordinary people of Ireland, particularly those of the North, who have lived and suffered the reality of our conflict.
- John Hume, in his lecture
I don't pay quite as close attention to my physical actions as some journalists appear to be [doing].
- David Trimble, asked whether he had applauded when Gerry Adams was given a peace award in Washington
What would be the effects on Southern business and tourism if the terrorist factions, reincarnated as a criminal mafia, were met only by a Northern Ireland Police Service with one arm tied behind its back? Would the Celtic Tiger roar then?
- Steven King, an adviser to John Taylor, who believes the RUC should remain intact
The government rejects the extradition process which is an affront to our sovereignty and territoriality and will use every means at its disposal to reverse the decision.
- The Chilean Vice-President, Raul Troncoso, on Jack Straw's decision to allow extradition proceedings against Gen Pinochet
He had ample power to put an end to this shameful and damaging episode. He has chosen instead to prolong it.
- Baroness Thatcher, on Mr Straw's decision
It is the best news I have heard in years, and I am sure that 90 per cent of Chileans welcome the decision.
- Matilde Martinez, whose brother and sister disappeared under Pinochet
Before the curtain goes up at each concert I kneel down and offer up heartfelt thanks to God for helping me carry through my dream, for rescuing me from a life of labouring in the freezing cold.
- Dancer Michael Flatley
They're courteous, they address you as "Doctor", they tell you what documents you need; if you haven't got one they say "Don't worry, put it in the post".
- A group of Kilkenny-based non-EU doctors, on the attitude of British embassy officials in contrast to Department of Foreign Affairs officials who are "high-handed and unhelpful"
The reason they are being prevented is that the Minister is fearful that they will become involved in Irish life and, in effect, stop being statistics and start being human beings. It is not easy to deport people when they have been someone's neighbour, friend or work colleague.
- Liz McManus (DL), on the ban on asylum-seekers working