[MPs] are elected representatives, they hold an important and powerful place in society. They legislate what the public can and cannot do. It is necessary their behaviour should be entirely honest if public confidence in the parliamentary system and the rule of law is to be maintained. – Mr Justice Saunders of Southwark Crown Court in London giving an 18-month jail sentence yesterday to former Labour MP David Chaytor for fiddling his expenses
I could face bankruptcy, I don't know yet. That's a matter for the mercy of my creditors . . . It's been deeply distressing and painful on the human side. – Ivan Yates on placing his betting chain, Celtic Bookmakers, into receivership with the possible loss of 237 jobs as well as all his personal assets
One of the great failings of politicians is that they talk too much and do not listen enough. – Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny talks the talk on his party's new website
There does seem to be a public appetite for [political] reform and we want to facilitate that.– Minister for Defence Tony Killeen indicating that Fianna Fáil is now open to changing the system
No political party, whatever they are saying, is going to be enthusiastic about a second chamber where they have to listen to the voices of different groups of people. – Senator Joe O'Toole on why he takes talk of Seanad reform with a pinch of salt
T here's a group of people in their 30s and very early 40s that got elected for the first time in 2007 that have a hell of a lot to offer in terms of rebuilding the party. – Minister of State for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary (37)
No matter what role we are given in the party, we are merely passing through– Éamon Ó Cuív (60) displays humility in describing his relationship with Fianna Fáil
Was it your customary practice to transfer funds to [your wife] Lorraine's account?– Kathleen Dwyer, court-appointed trustee, to former Anglo-Irish chief executive David Drumm when inquiring about €550,000 that went from his to her (Ms Drumm's) account in the month that he resigned from the bank
It was something we did in 2008. – David Drumm's reply