A remarkable story of bungling, incompetence and ignorance . . . It is unacceptable to the public that you are not taking responsibility . . . - Ms Liz McManus (DL) on the release of five men charged with drug offences

If there was bungling, and if there was ignorance, and if there was any kind of negligence . . . it clearly did not emanate from me. - the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue

A comedy of errors . . . - Mr John Gormley (Green Party)

The Marcel Marceau of the Rainbow has become the Dustin of the opposition . . . - Mr O'Donoghue referring to Mr Pat Rabbitte (DL)

I do quite well recall a very famous speech by Deputy Rabbitte here in the House regarding me seeing criminals on hedgerows on my journey to Dublin from Caherciveen. May I say that in the meanwhile, from behind the darkened windows of State Mercedes, the red band of the Rainbow saw no problem. - Mr O'Donoghue

While you are Minister for Justice in this country, crime will pay. - Mr Andrew Boylan (FG)