This Week They Said

There are people asking legitimate questions about why this is happening at this time

There are people asking legitimate questions about why this is happening at this time. Whose agenda is being served? It certainly is not the agenda of those who wish to see a successful political or peace process.- Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin speaking about the "Stakeknife" allegations.

Freddie, we're going to have to do something about this.

- Freddie Scappaticci's brother's response upon reading allegations that his brother was a British agent.

If Ben Hur arrived here on a chariot with Shakespeare at his side and asked me to change this provision, I would not do so.

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- The Minister for Arts, John O'Donoghue, on increasing government powers in the Arts Bill to give directives to the Arts Council.

Funny how negative media coverage before a looming election can concentrate the minds of an outgoing Government desperate to stay in power.

- Rosemary Daly, formerly of the Irish Haemophilia Society, writing in her new book about the blood infection crisis.

It's their World Cup really.

- Junior Minister John Browne, calling for a review of the decision not to invite athletes from SARS-affected countries to attend the Special Olympic World Games.

These people haven't heard heavy metal before. They can't take it.

- US Sgt Mark Hasdell explains the logic behind playing such music to break the spirit of Iraqi prisoners.

The majority of prisoners in Camp X-Ray are not even familiar with the name al-Qaeda.

- Shah Muhammed after he was released from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

If we deal with politics on the basis of looking over our shoulder as to who might or might not support it, rather than what is right or wrong, then it is not my kind of politics.

- Minister for Education, Noel Dempsey, defends his position on the reintroduction of college fees.

Within the next 20-25 years the Papuans will be wiped out in their own land, unless the international community changes its position.

- West Papuan human rights advocate John Rumbiak speaking in Dublin about international silence regarding Indonesia's military campaign in his homeland.

I apologise for having a human streak, but when you wait 33 years for your team to get into the final you tend to want to come.

- Former Northern secretary and Celtic fan, Dr John Reid, who made the trip to Seville for the UEFA cup final.

But even before you uttered a word, you'd know that no one was interested, that they were up in Conway's \ and you'd see the nods and the winks.

- The Former Fine Gael Dublin councillor, May Muldoon, speaking about her former political colleagues' attitude to rezoning motions.

I have no idea how they came about. I am confident my good name will be restored.

- Belfast man Col Tim Collins of the Royal Irish Regiment responds to war crimes allegations.