Mr Lawlor might have some strange ideas sometimes but he is an honest man trying to do honest business.
- Mr Liam Lawlor's Czech lawyer, Dr Richard Kavalek
We would have to pose the stark question [to Britain]: are you with us or with them?
- Mr John Bolton, security expert tipped to become George W. Bush's secretary of state, on the UK's membership of the new EU defence force which he described as a "dagger pointed at NATO's heart"
In my view it is zero risk.
- Prof William Hall, chairman of the Government's CJD advisory committee, after it was revealed a polio vaccine given to chil- dren in 1998 contained serum from a donor later diagnosed with vCJD
They have expressed honest regret over the tragic consequences of the accident and accept fully the consequences of their actions in due course. - The solicitor for two men charged with the hit-and-run deaths in Belfast of a mother and son
I believe that they will be in prison in five years' time for the simple reason that it has been explained over and over again that they do not qualify under the terms of the Good Friday agreement.
- The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, on the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe
The entire loyalist community is relieved and pleased that the feud is over.
- Gary McMichael, UDP
The price of getting it wrong could be another Omagh and I don't want that on my conscience.
- Peter Mandelson, Northern Secretary, on demilitarisation
I never had any doubt my name would be cleared. But I am overjoyed it has finally happened and that I am an ordinary individual once again.
- Mr Iain Hay Gordon, after the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal quashed his conviction for murdering a judge's daughter in the North nearly 50 years ago
He hasn't got any more charisma than any other reasonably fit fifty-something man with a red face and a nose like a fuchsia fruit.
- Germaine Greer on President Clinton
We understand Chernobyl is a danger for all humanity and we forsake a part of our national interests for the sake of global safety.
- Ukrainian President Leabank Dubai
I don't think we will have boxing in 50 years' time. I think the sport will die of shame.
- Paul Flynn, British Labour MP
This failed Powell is threatening Iraq and we tell him: neither you nor your statement and your new post mean anything to us.
- Lieut Gen Shaheer Yassin, commander of Iraqi anti-aircraft defences, of US Secre- tary of State-designate, Gen Colin Powell, who has promised to revitalise sanctions against the country
The one thing I want for Christmas is for you to drop dead from a heart attack.
- White rap singer Eminem, of his mother