I don't have any objection to any of the churches stating its position and making it clear, but I think it would be a retrogressive step if we were to go back to the days of the Catholic Church dictating to elected public representatives how [they] should address an issue. – Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte responds to confirmation by Cardinal Seán Brady that church leaders intend to lobby public representatives on the abortion issue
It is Minister Rabbitte's comment that is actually retrograde. First of all, lobbying is not the same as dictating. Secondly, why should business organisations or farming organisations or trades unions be allowed to lobby politicians but the churches cannot do this? – Dr John Murray of the Iona Institute, in response to Mr Rabbitte
When I took over the job you wouldn't believe the amount of people who said I was off my rocker. I was off my head. Donegal is a poisoned chalice. Them players will let you down. – Donegal football manager Jim McGuinness after his team's thrilling win over Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final
It is going to lead to longer stays in acute hospitals for people whose families simply aren't able to take them out earlier . . . and it's going to lead to an explosion in queues in emergency departments. – John Dunne of the Carers' Association responds to health cuts announced this week by the HSE
We are not heroes. We don't come here to inspire you. We come to race and perchance to win. We are first and foremost human beings. – World champion cyclist Colin Lynch in a tweet ahead of participating in the Paralympic Games in London
Mr President, how do you handle promises that you have made when you were running for election, and how do you handle them? I mean, what do you say to people? – Veteran US actor and director Clint Eastwood speaking to an empty chair at at the Republican Party's national convention
He's an American icon. You can't look at him through the same political lens that you would other politicians. He's Clint Eastwood. – A spokeswoman for presidential candidate Mitt Romney defends Eastwood