The time is now right for all those who sincerely want a police service that is fair, impartial and representative to grasp the opportunity that is presented and to exercise their influence to achieve such a service.
- The North's Catholic bishops in a statement on the proposals for the new police service in Northern Ireland
I want to take this opportunity to say to young people in the nationalist community: "Here is the mechanism now through which policing can be changed and changed for ever more . . . Take that chance."
- Acting Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon
I know that that is what my son, Michael, would have wanted. He would have loved to have lived to see this day. He said he felt he could better serve the community by joining the police.
- Mrs Kathleen Ferguson, mother of a 21-year-old Catholic RUC officer, who was shot dead by the IRA in 1993, on the bishops' statement
There is no military solution to the conflict, only a political solution at whose basis must lie a reconciliation between the two peoples.
- The Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr Shimon Peres, talking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Being realistic, it would be foolish to suggest that there are not going to be further job losses.
- Mr Brendan Butler, IBEC, referring to the uncertainty in the high-tech sector
These men are innocent.
- Part of a statement by the family of Mr Niall Connolly, one of the three men arrested in Colombia
Obviously, we will be watching closely. We will be looking for facts in the situation, and any relationship with FARC and other terrorist organisations would raise troubling questions.
- US State Department spokesman, Mr Philip Reeker, warning that there would be political implications for Sinn Fein if links between the IRA and FARC were proven
It is obvious to unionists that the level of silence from Gerry Adams is because he believes the allegations against the men are true. The people of Northern Ireland know what the IRA is up to.
- Mr Michael McGimpsey, UUP MLA
Is Margaret's endorsement going to help that generation of younger people that we've got to attract back? I don't think myself that that is the case.
- Lord Heseltine, on Baroness Thatcher's support for Iain Duncan Smith Unlike a professional man - who can pick up his briefcase and go - it is not easy to pick up your farm and go.
- Colonial leader of Zimbabwe, Mr Ian Smith, on the flight of the white community from the country due to interracial violence
We have war, drought and now we have this Christian problem.
- An Afghan fruit vendor on the detention of eight foreign-aid workers for proselytising in Kabul
Until they recognise that in our democracy there is only one Army, their participation in our democratic institutions here will inevitably be a qualified one for those of us whose commitment to democracy is unqualified and unequivocal.
- Mr Michael Noonan, Fine Gael leader, referring to Sinn Fein at the annual Michael Collins commemoration in Co Cork
The most admirable quality he had was to pose the question "why?" in many guises, always at the right time and place, then get on with decision-making, be logical and stop the posh talk. And all that covered with an ability to delegate to his chosen lieutenants.
- Businessman Mr Clayton Love jnr, about the chairman of Aer Lingus, Mr Bernie Cahill, who was buried on Monday