QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“I think a lot of decisions in Europe are a mix of technical data and mix of politics and I think there was a political input here .... This affects how Ireland could be treated by other jurisdictions, damages Ireland’s credibility in the international tax debate and inhibits Ireland in pressing arguments that serve our national interest.” Finance Minister Michael Noonan in his statement to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on a European ruling that Apple owes €13bn in unpaid taxes.

“A strike will be very damaging to the travelling public, the workforce, rural communities and the company itself.” Transport minister Shane Ross on Bus Eireann.

“Life is like a box of sardines and we are all looking for the key.” Playwright Alan Bennett.

“It happened. He was elected. He is our president. He’s moving very quickly. It’s bothering a lot of people. He is doing what he said he would do. He is elected. I do think there has been an overreaction to what’s going on. But that’s just endemic in the culture.” US author Bret Easton Ellis hits out at celebrities protesting at Donald Trump.

“If we send a message that it is acceptable to close the door to refugees, or to discriminate among them on the basis of religion, we are playing with fire. We are lighting a fuse that will burn across continents, inviting the very instability we seek to protect ourselves against.” Actress Angelina Jolie criticises President Trump’s migration restraints.

“I am very concerned at the various challenges facing our country and believe I can best play my part in addressing them as part of the Fianna Fail team whose policies reflect what I have advocated for.” Former Independent and Social Democrat TD Stephen Donnelly on his move to Fianna Fail.

“It’s a question I ask myself every day — I have yet to come up with a satisfactory answer. All contributions to the mystery gratefully received.” Actor Simon Callow’s response to a questioner who asked “Why are you so lovely?”