The week that was in words
All I can tell you is that it's gone from consideration to deeper consideration, and I will be making an announcement in September. – Michael D Higgins on the possibility of running for president
Haven't sorted it out yet – somewhere local. – Brian Cowen on his summer holiday plans
A layer of heat lay over the crowd, and no air. You had to stick your head up to breathe. I saw a pregnant woman screaming for air, then go down. It was impossible to help her. I think she got out but I'm not sure. – Timo, a 17-year-old caught up in the crush at the Love Parade in Duisburg last Saturday, which caused the deaths of 21 people
The first thing I noticed when I got to Sligo was the cosy train station – it felt like I was in somebody's living room. – Katarina Korenova, a Slovakian visitor to the Yeats International Summer School
We have been brought to our knees, but maybe that is no bad thing. It can bring us closer to the core of the mystery. – Bishop Liam McDaid speaking about the Catholic Church at his ordination as Bishop of Clogher
The programme is ambitious, appropriate and affordable. – Brian Cowen at the launch of the seven-year capital spending programme