People setting deadlines is always difficult . . . I'd rather not tie myself to an exact week or date.
- The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, on the timing of an abortion referendum, which he said he favoured
He was Enemy Number One of Northern Ireland and it's just a pity he didn't take the rest of the boys with him.
- The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, on the announcement of the retirement from politics of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews
The decision to go was mine and mine alone, and the timing was mine and mine alone. Stories and suggestions to the contrary are simply wrong.
- The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, on his resignation
He retrieved for the reading public a buried treasure, a golden word hoard.
- Mr Eric Anderson, judging panel chairman for this year's Whitbread Book ofthe Year Award, paying tribute to the winner, Seamus Heaney
It was absolutely disgusting.
- Matthew Taylor, Liberal Democrat MP, on his use of cannabis at university
I believe that the Minister for Agriculture has passed his sell-by date.
- Fine Gael agriculture spokesman. Mr Paul Connaughton, during a Dail debate on a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh