I think the situation is now so grave that it's absolutely incumbent on all of the political parties, despite their political differences, to come together. – Green Party leader John Gormley seeking cross-party consensus on a four-year budgetary strategy
If they feel they can't do the job, step aside. – Fine Gael's Michael Noonan gives him short shrift
Fine Gael will continue to play a constructive role in the forthcoming debate on the budget but the matter of a second "Tallaght strategy" simply does not arise. The context now is different from then. – The party's front bench in a slightly more diplomatic riposte to a similar suggestion
I've no problem in principle with [John Gormley's suggestion] on the basis that we're talking about having a constructive discussion. – Brian Cowen
. . . some of the most vitriolic attacks seen by a politician elected by the people and who was entitled to a measure of respect. – Ivor Callely's barrister Michael O'Higgins castigating the Seanad committee report into the disgraced Senator, who was appointed to the Seanad by former taoiseach Bertie Ahern
She knows it's unlikely Simon [Cowell] would be willing to admit on air that [Zimbabwean X-Factor contestant] Gamu's visa problems were the real reason for her going. But [Cheryl] wants the matter to be addressed in some way and for Simon to take some of the heat off her. The whole thing has blown up out of proportion and she's been left hung out to dry. Saturday's show could be the first step in her reputation being restored. – Friend of X-Factor judge Cheryl Cole on the hot story dominating elsewhere
The US Open felt like the back nine with my dad back in Portrush compared to this. – US Open Champion Graeme McDowell whose win against American Hunter Mahan secured the Ryder Cub for Europe
These data give us hope . . . and we have not experienced any damage on the main Danube so far. – Tobor Dobson, spokesman for the Hungarian toxic spill clean-up operation, on readings suggesting the waste will not damage the Danube