QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“Nothing in our article has had the slightest effect on the reputation that Mr Trump, through his own words and actions, has already created for himself.” The New York Times sticking by its story of alleged sexual assaults by Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US presidency, who denies them.
“These vicious claims about me, of inappropriate conduct with women, are totally and absolutely false. And the Clintons know it. My accusers are horrible people. They’re horrible, horrible liars.” Donald Trump.
“Hysterics have been whipped up to distract the attention of the American people from the essence of what the hackers released... For some reason, nobody talks about this. They talk about who did it. Is it really that important?” Russian President Vladimir Putin on the email row over Hillary Clinton, Democrat candidate in the US presidential election.
“Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven.” US President Barack Obama saying that Donald Trump’s comments about women make him unfit to work in a convenience store, never mind becoming president.
“I’m afraid in the immediate aftermath of the vote to Leave, there was an extraordinary outpouring almost of grief — a blame Brexit festival, if you like. We saw it ranging from the Italian finance minister — who blamed us for the state of his bond markets — more significantly to banks in this country, saying they’re laying people off because of Brexit, which, of course, it turned out to be entirely untrue.” David Davis, the British Brexit Secretary.
“I believe I thoroughly deserved disqualification from driving for six months.” TV3 presenter Vincent Browne has been banned from driving after clocking up too many penalty points.
“A minor incident.” London Zoo’s description of the drama over the escape of a 29-stone gorilla, the locking away of visitors for their own safety, and the arrival of armed police officers to deal with it.
“My life has been one helluva roller coaster ride and it’s still lumbering on.” Sir Elton John, who is writing his memoirs.
“Incredibly offensive and very ignorant.” Olympic gymnast Louis Smith apologising for a video in which he is seen apparently mocking Islam.
“I shall still be thought to be kindly, cosy and essentially harmless. I am in the pigeon-hole marked ‘no threat’, and did I stab Judi Dench with a pitchfork, I should still be a teddy bear.” Playwright Alan Bennett.
“I can’t be twirling a hairbrush in one hand and a dryer in the other at my age. Particularly when I am filming and they are going to plonk a wig or a hat on my head anyway.” Dame Judi Dench (82).