Words of the week

WITH the nation so divided, resentful and angry, presidential leadership in qualities of character is indispensable. And it is in this province where the incumbent’s shortfall has been most glaring. – Senior US Republican and one-time presidential nominee,

Mitt Romney, attacks President Trump.

HAPPY New Year everyone, this is Olivia NewtonJohn and I just want to say that the rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated, to quote a very famous quote. – Actress Olivia Newton-John says she is “doing great” even though diagnosed with cancer.

IN 2019 the UK will start a new chapter. The referendum in 2016 was divisive. But we all want the best for our country and 2019 can be the year we put our differences aside and move forward together, into a strong new relationship with our European neighbours and out into the world as a globally trading nation. – Prime Minister Theresa May delivers a New Year message urging MPs and the public to back her Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

WEARING corsets all the time was completely incapacitating, as far as digestion goes. – Helena Bonham Carter.

I’VE TAKEN up potholing. To improve my skills I get in the car and go for a drive. – Graham Andrews, of Bideford, Devon, in a letter to the Daily Mail.

ANIMALS would not be housed in such dangerous conditions. It is disgraceful how ministers talk up our armed forces at every opportunity, and yet away from the spotlight, ask our most loyal public servants to endure totally unacceptable and lethal living environments. – Tory MP and former Army officer Johnny Mercer on the state of some barracks.

THE INTERNET is a vast wormhole of darkness. – Actress Scarlett Johansson.

A STINKING sport –

Playwright Alan Bennett is no fan of football.

MY LIFE, it’s slipping away and I can feel it and I should.

I’m 75, I’m near the end. I’m nearer the end than I am the beginning. But it doesn’t frighten me, it’s an adventure and it is quite interesting to see myself slipping away. – Comedian Sir Billy Connolly.