THIS WEEK THEY SAID

A selection of quotes from around the world selected by Sean Archbold.

A selection of quotes from around the world selected by Sean Archbold.

Contrast the United Kingdom state - a vibrant multi-ethnic, multinational liberal democracy, the fourth largest economy in the world, the most reliable ally of the United States in the fight against international terrorism - with the pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural state to our south.

- The North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble

[Were the remarks] a case of thought transference? Is he applying to the Republic sentiments that are to be used more aptly closer to home?

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- The Attorney General, Mr Michael McDowell, speaking in his role as president of the Progressive Democrats, on Mr Trimble's remarks

He must have stopped taking the tablets.

- Mr Peter Robinson, the DUP deputy leader, of Mr Trimble

It is the bigest electoral fraud I have ever witnessed.

- Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change

We support him because he fought for our country. He is our black man.

- Ms Esther Matashu, (26), of Mr Robert Mugabe, election victor

I think this is a disgrace. This is almost akin to what has been happening in Zimbabwe . . . this is a very deliberate attempt, a political decision in my view, to interfere with the democratic process in North Kerry.

- Mr Martin McGuinness, Sinn Féin, on the arrest of SF election candidate Mr Martin Ferris

These are the darkest days, perhaps even since 1948.

- Ms Hanan Ashwari, member of the Palestinian Legislative Council

The abominable No-man.

- The Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, as described by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue

I did not feel he was about to wage war on anyone unless he feels it's absolutely necessary.

- The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, after he met President Bush this week

If she knew about the losses she should go. If she didn't know about it she should also go.

- Mr Alan Rubenstein, chairman of the National Association of Pension Funds' investment committee, Britain, talking about Ms Susan Keating, chief executive of Allfirst, who survived the purge

God bless our coalition.

- President Bush, concluding his September 11th memorial address

Your fear was our fear. And as the enormity of the tragedy unfolded, your grief was our grief.

- The President, Mrs McAleese, addressing World Trade Centre rescue workers in New York

As a refugee from the Holocaust I find such an act insufferable.

- Mr Tommy Lapid, Israeli MP, after it emerged Israeli Defence Force troops had written identification numbers on the foreheads and arms of Palestinian prisoners

I have always been aware that as a boxer if you do get involved in anything with an ordinary person then they are in a very vulnerable position. It is dangerous and I would never do it.

- Former World middleweight boxing champion, Steve Collins, after he was cleared of a road-rage attack on a pensioner