QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Con in the fight against the Covid-19 virus.”
Tributes pour in for two Kilkenny Hospital healthcare workers — Catherine Hickey and Jim Kenny — who died last week.
“It is abhorrent that Dail deputies would continue to get ‘bloated’ expenses and salaries during the national health emergency.”
Paul Murphy on the revelation that TDs are collectively entitled to €250,000 a month in travel and accommodation expenses from the taxpayer — despite Dail sittings being reduced.
“Animals die for all sorts of reasons — disease, old age, from plastic pollution, as accidental bycatch in fisheries. But something changed in 2011 and we’re at a record number of strandings now. It’s mainly one species and it’s mainly one time of the year. Something’s going on and it needs to be looked at.”
Mick O’Connell, of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, on the increase of dolphin strandings which have tripled to 70 washed up dead, or dying, on Irish beaches since the start of the year.
“He died as he lived, looking wonderful... He simply tired in the end and he just closed his beautiful eyes and that was that.”
Susie Moss on the death of her husband F1 legend Stirling Moss.
“It is quite surreal for us to see this whole situation unfolding on the planet below. We can tell you that the Earth still looks just as stunning as always from up here, so it’s difficult to believe all the changes that have taken place since both of us have been up here.”
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir after landing following 205 days in space, during which coronavirus emerged as a worldwide threat.
“We regret the decision of the President of the United States to order a halt in funding to the World Health Organisation. With support from the people and government of the United States, WHO works to improve the health of many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. WHO is not only fighting Covid-19, we’re also working to address polio, measles, malaria, Ebola, HIV, tuberculosis, malnutrition, cancer, diabetes, mental health and many other diseases and conditions.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), responds to Donald Trump’s decision to cut off US payments to the WHO during the coronavirus pandemic.
“He had a reputation as everybody knows — ‘Bites Yer Legs’ — but Norman was a truly great football player. A lot of great players have walked through the gates of Elland Road and Norman was right up there with the best of them. It’s a sad day for everybody connected with the club.”
Eddie Gray pays tribute to his former Leeds United team-mate Norman Hunter, who has died aged 76 after contracting coronavirus.