QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“I have absolute confidence in Simon Harris... He probably has the toughest job in Government. Managing the health service is not easy as is clearly evident at the moment from the multiple challenges that he faces.” Tanaiste Simon Coveney backs the under-fire Health Minister and claims he was being unfairly targeted over the €1.4bn National Children’s Hospital controversy.
“The Withdrawal Agreement is the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal by the UK. We want the future relationship between the EU and the UK to be as close, comprehensive and ambitious as possible, so that the backstop will never be needed. However, given the ongoing uncertainty in London, we are intensifying our planning for all scenarios, including a no-deal exit.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
“I have been wondering what that special place in hell looks like for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan to carry it out safely.” European Council President Donald Tusk.
“I am clear that I am going to deliver Brexit. I am going to deliver it on time. That is what I am going to do for the British public, I will be negotiating hard in the coming days to do just that.” British Prime Minister Theresa May in upbeat mood.
“I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody — I’m ashamed to say that — and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some [uses air quotes with fingers] ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.” Liam Neeson describes his reaction years ago when a friend was raped.
“It is time to bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future and to reject the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution.” US President Donald Trump in his State of the Union address.
“I realise my time is finite.” Actor Michael Douglas (74).
“The difference between doing something and not doing something is doing something.” Actor James Corden.
“I don’t want my wrinkles taken away — I don’t want to look like everyone else.” Actress Jane Fonda.
“That’s the Botox.” Singer Dolly Parton on how she always looks so happy.
“I’m a people person, quite positive, quite cheeky, and a bit of a smart-arse at times! I’m not saying I’m any sort of guru or a saint, because I’m not, I’m still a youngish lad, I still enjoy this life, I’m not going down a Mother Teresa path, but now I’m just trying to do what is best for me and others.” Calum Best (son of late football star George Best), who has abandoned his rock ’n’ roll life style.
“It’s not easy to leave a job you’ve been doing for 32 years. It’s more than half my professional life. It’s not like I’m an ambitious youngster with many more challenges ahead of me or something like that.” John Humphrys, announcing he will be leaving BBC’s flagship Today programme.