This week they said

It's more than a decade since I was in the front line of politics. That's why I'm back... you knew I was coming

It's more than a decade since I was in the front line of politics. That's why I'm back . . . you knew I was coming. On my way here I passed a cinema with the sign The Mummy Returns.

- Former British prime minister Mrs Margaret Thatcher, on the campaign trail to help William Hague

I told him very frankly that I think he'll be a one-term President if he doesn't listen to his moderates.

- Senator James Jeffords, of President George W. Bush

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The resolution of the issue of arms is a necessary step in a genuine peace process.

- IRA statement, after the latest arms inspection

The IRA has once again fully honoured their commitments and complied with the terms of our engagement, and we are convinced that this co-operation will continue.

- Statement by weapons inspectors Mr Cyril Ramaphosa and Mr Martti Ahtisaari, after viewing the arms dumps

I said I would never shake his hand and I'm ashamed I had that thought but I'd had it for years.

- U2's Bono, admitting he shook the hand of Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams at a function in Dublin Castle last week

Plastic bullets are lethal, deadly weapons and they should be withdrawn from use immediately.

- Mr Gerry Adams

I told him I couldn't afford it and would have to see what my wife had stuffed under the mattress.

- Welsh whiskey-maker Mr Ben Jones, after he was approached by a member of former US president Bill Clinton's entourage saying Mr Clinton would love to drop by but only for a fee of £50,000

We want to let them know that the Passionist Order is open for business.

- Father Martin Coffey, Provincial of the Order, on its advertising campaign to increase vocations

We have never seen scenes like it.

- Chief Supt Eric Hewitt, of the Oldham riots

I need not spell out the terrible realities of the death penalty or indeed the terrible torment endured - often for many years - by those awaiting execution.

- The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, urging a Yes vote for the proposal to remove all references to the death penalty from the Constitution

I am not playing very well. I have been in eight countries in 12 days and so I am glad just to be standing up.

- Former US president Bill Clinton, during a round of golf in St Andrew's, Scotland

And to all the C students, I say, you, too, can be president of the United States.

- President George W. Bush, a C student himself, receiving an honorary degree from Yale, his Alma Mater