"This is a decision to be taken by the Irish Government . . .We do have this facility ready so if there is interest, it can be used. At the end of the day, it is both the right and the responsibility of the Irish Government." European Central Bank governing council member Ewald Nowotny in an interview with CNBC
"If the euro fails, then Europe fails . . . markets have to bear the consequences of their actions." German chancellor Angela Merkel speaking to the conference in Karlsruhe
"Ireland is not a concern. It's Ireland's banks that need to be fixed. We have support mechanisms that are in place." Wolfgang Kirsch, chief executive of Germany's DZ Bank
"Liquidity needs of Ireland's banks have been fully supported . . . the ECB and the Irish Central Bank – they deal with the issues related to the banks." Dick Roche, Minister of State for Europe
"We expect an appropriate reaction by the Irish authorities . . . to help to calm markets and quell unfounded worries. The situation in the markets has been negative due in some part to the lack of a decision by Ireland. It's not up to me to make a decision on Ireland, it's Ireland that should take the decision at the right moment." Bank of Spain governor and ECB council member Miguel Ángel Fernández Ordonez