I've had it with the World Cup. You can't eat a yoghurt or open a bottle of mineral water without seeing the Footix system. It's too much,

- Fabienne Boutier seeks football liberation

The IASA cannot act on mere rumour and innuendo and the person concerned has a basic right to his good name and reputation unless and until a first-hand complaint is made in the first instance and thereafter justified.

- The Murphy report cites the IASA's standard defence

We will discuss what your needs are, what your skills are, what your ambitions are. You may be offered training, you may be offered work experience, you may be offered community employment.

- The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, on moves to restrict social welfare

Human rights organisations are always killjoys. That's our role and we're happy to fulfil it.

- Claude Katz, head of the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues

What's that? A garden festival? Something to do with flowers?

- Margo Hubbard from Montreal on Bloomsday

It is an extremely pragmatic verdict that at least solves problems and allows Louise to get home.

- Stephen Jakobi of the Fair Trials Abroad group on the Woodward verdict

There is nothing wrong, from my perspective, with having dialogue with genuine people who are concerned and people who will recognise there are two traditions living in Northern Ireland.

- Bill Murdie, chairman of the Clifton Street Orange Hall United Districts Committee

It's becoming much more like factory work.

- Actor Kevin Whately, who played Inspector Morse's side- kick, on being an actor

The mantle of history-maker sits comfortably on my shoulders.

- Robbie Earle, after scoring the first goal for Jamaica in World Cup finals in their 3-1 defeat by Croatia

I wouldn't pretend to offer anything as pretentious as a philosophy of the arts.

- Broadcaster and academic Dr Brian Farrell, recently appointed chairman of the Arts Council

This party will continue to fly the flag and it is in no doubt of the flag that it is flying, unlike the UUP who are flying the white flag of surrender.

- DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson

Alcohol is the root of the problem.

- Michel Sappin, chief of Marseille police on trouble between English and Tunisian soccer fans

The GAA inhibits Catholics from joining the "unacceptable" RUC. Rule 21 is Catch 22.

- Journalist Con Houlihan in a letter to The Irish Times

I've become accustomed to the face, as Henry Higgins said. And I'm very accustomed to having a chin.

- Football commentator Jimmy Hill forgets briefly about World Cup 98

It appears to be a matter of grave concern.

- Tony Gregory TD on reports that Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne bought his house by private treaty from convicted killer Christopher Dwyer

British audiences will laugh at anything. All the time they are laughing, laughing, laughing, cackling like fools.

- Yasmina Reza, author of Art, which won a Tony award for best play