I am sorry for the mistakes we made and that I made as a minister. – New Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin fesses up
Our patience has reached an end. – Green Party leader John Gormley on pulling his party out of Government
We must cast off the shroud of negativity. We must regain our national perspective and drive on with confidence and courage. – Brian Cowen statement of resignation as Fianna Fáil leader
The proposed [Ringsend] incinerator cannot go ahead. – Former environment minister John Gormley to his [Ringsend] constituents
Do you know what child benefit is at present? – BBC reporter tests Gerry Adams's knowledge of the Irish economy
I don't. No. – Adams's answer
Do you know what the VAT rate is at present? – Reporter's follow up question
I don't. No. – Adams's answer
What did the commission do at the time about the Irish property bubble? What did the ECB do? Nothing very effective, it seems.
Some reflection on that would be appropriate to accompany your fully justified criticisms of Irish failings. – John Bruton, chairman of IFSC Ireland, to EU Commission president, José Manuel Barroso, suggesting that European institutions bear a measure of responsibility for Ireland's economic woes
It's a bit like the thief accusing the policeman. – Riposte from senior commission source