We want to do business with [DUP leader\] Ian Paisley. We would be quite pleased to vote for Ian Paisley as First Minister, but in the context of the Good Friday agreement. - Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams as the Northern parties meet for talks at Leeds Castle.
I won't be disappointed if there is not a contest but I want one and I am up and ready for it. - The President Mrs McAleese announces she will seek a second term in the Áras.
There is considerable evidence to suggest that both business costs and consumer prices in Ireland are now out of line with other advanced economies. - William Burgess, chair of the national competitiveness council (NCC) which has warned inflation threatens to undermine the economy and sap foreign investment.
Prison is meant to be a punishment, not a holiday. - Senator John Minihan, Progressive Democrats chairman, as former prisoners launch law suits against the State, claiming they were traumatised by the practice of "slopping out".
When can the public inquiry be held? That's the only question the British government has to answer. - Michael Finucane, son of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. A former UDA member was sentenced for his killing this week but Mr Finucane's family maintain security forces colluded in the murder.
Following frank and detailed discussions with the board, Mr Barnes confirmed that he did not wish to maintain any criticisms of the board. - A statement issued by the board of the Abbey Theatre, after artistic director Ben Barnes claimed in an e-mail that he had been made a scapegoat for the Abbey's current difficulties.