Quotes of the week
I seem to feel [ John Paul II's] strong hand holding mine, I seem to see his smiling eyes and hear him speaking to me at this moment, saying: "Don't be afraid". - Pope Benedict XVI, speaking during his first Mass as Pope, in the Sistine Chapel
No doubt there will be surprises. It would be a terrible pity to rush to conclusions. - Cardinal Desmond Connell on the new Pope
Competition has done wonderful things for our economy generally, and it could do wonderful things for Dublin airport. - The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, makes clear the Progressive Democrats' stance on a second terminal at Dublin airport
The culture of the department over the years has leant too far in the direction of facilitating ease of manoeuvre at political level. - Former secretary general of the Department of Health Michael Kelly says he informed his then minister, Micheál Martin, of the nursing home charges issue on two occasions
Ask yourself an objective question. Is it credible that for a few minutes on the way from the foyer of a hotel through a labyrinth of corridors and steps and stairs, somebody is being adequately briefed on an issue of this political significance? I don't think that has any credence, quite frankly. - Mr Martin has a different opinion
In the past Japan through its colonial rule and aggression caused tremendous damage and suffering for the people of many countries, particularly those of Asian nations. Japan squarely faces these facts of history in a spirit of humility. - Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi delivers a historic apology in what is regarded as an attempt to defuse tensions with China
The cost may not be expensive, but every penny saved counts, and all savings go back towards lowering fares for European consumers. - A statement from Ryanair, which has banned staff from charging mobile phones at work
I hope we can turn Lansdowne into [ a new stadium]. I will have my doubts until the day it opens because I just think it is in a very built-up area. It would have been better to have gone to an open space. - The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, appears to cast doubt on the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road
While the term "rip-off Ireland" could be regarded as emotive language, our analysis of prices in Ireland leads us to conclude that Irish consumers are not getting a fair deal. - The Consumer Strategy Group says pubs, banks, doctors, dentists, restaurants and many other businesses are overcharging
Consumers must be educated that they don't have to clear their plates - Dr Sinead McCarthy of Trinity College reveals that the secret to staying slim is not eating too much
The adrenalin was really pumping, so initially the shooting didn't hurt. It felt like a massive thump. With each bullet that went in it was like being picked up by a giant hand and slammed on the ground. - Frank Gardner, a BBC journalist, describes what it was like to be shot by militants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 10 months ago
They usually end very shortly with my abject surrender. - British prime minister Tony Blair says that arguments with his wife Cherie are tougher than a grilling in Westminster
The memory still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Every day for the last 67 years I have thought about the obelisk. - Abebe Alenayehu (81), who nearly 70 years ago saw Italian troops seize the Axum obelisk, one of Ethiopia's national treasures, describes how he feels to see it returned
There is only one thing better than the first woman president of the United States and that's the first black woman president of the United States. - Tina Brown, former editor of the New Yorker, imagines a 2008 presidential race in which Condoleezza Rice runs as the Republican candidate against Hillary Clinton