QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“Peaceful protest is part of a democracy and I would certainly never criticise anyone for taking part in a protest if that’s the way they wish to express their views.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as Ireland prepares to host US president Donald Trump in the coming weeks.
“This is a very negative development. It adds even more uncertainty to what is already a very difficult political challenge in Westminster as a collective.” Tanaiste Simon Coveney on the collapse of Brexit compromise talks between the Conservatives and Labour in the UK.
“She championed the under-represented, gave a voice to those who weren’t being heard and held those in power to account. She reached out across the journalistic community to offer her support to people she didn’t even know — changing lives with a hand of friendship.” Chief Executive of the Journalists’ Charity James Brindle announces murdered journalist Lyra McKee as the recipient of the charity’s award at the UK Regional Press Awards.
“I have seen for myself the effects of plastic pollution on some of our planet’s most precious species and natural places — an unfolding catastrophe that has been overlooked for too long. But we ignore it at our peril.” TV naturalist David Attenborough.
“Our reproductive rights are being erased. Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy. Join me by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back. I’m calling for a sex strike.” Actress Alyssa Milano.
“The really frightening thing about middle age is the knowledge that you’ll grow out of it.” Hollywood star Doris Day, who has died aged 97.
“I would never make the mistake of going out to eat in something tight-fitting. If I don’t finish the food, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night thinking ‘Oh my God, I left some’.” TV chef Nigella Lawson.
“I’m too lazy to be unhappy — it’s too much hard work.” Actress Tilda Swinton.
“Any suicide is tragic, but the stench of shameless hypocrisy and snobbery over Jeremy Kyle’s TV show, as it was with Jerry Springer, is overpowering.” TV’s Piers Morgan.
“Men are not all beasts who just don’t care. The reality is they’re as flummoxed by the changes that affect us as we are — and that’s because nobody talks about it.” Ulrika Jonsson on the menopause.
“This is the most absurd of times. You’ve got Brexit; we’ve got Donald Trump. We can’t make fun of anybody. We’re not allowed to make jokes any more.” Actor George Clooney.
“Always be careful of barristers in high office. Their views can be as hairy as their headgear in court.” Author Frederick Forsyth.