Ministers have resigned because they believe it is important they do so as they will not be accountable for the actions of the Government at the holding of the next election. – Brian Cowen's version of events, adding that the said election would be held on March 11th
The fact that the Government is unable to fill its front bench speaks for the level to which the situation has descended. – Enda Kenny
We did not think this was a good idea. If it went to a vote in the Dáil, we would not have been in a position to support this. – John Gormley
If Brian Cowen rings me, I'm not f***ing answering the phone. – Unnamed Fianna Fáil backbencher displays uncharacteristic reluctance to accept Cabinet job and Merc
I hope it doesn't turn out like some of the other things you've been in charge. – Enda Kenny's anxieties about Brian Cowen taking over Iveagh House
It is a mechanism to make working-class people throughout Europe pay for the crisis of a broken financial system and a crisis-ridden European capitalism. – Socialist Party MEP Joe Higgins on the ECB/IMF bailout
Let me tell you: the problems of Ireland were created by the irresponsible financial behaviour of some Irish institutions and by the lack of supervision in the Irish market. – EU Commission president José Manuel Barroso gives Joe Higgins a few home truths