QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“The sad reality is the alternative to Direct Provision is what happens in France and Germany and Greece and Italy which is camps and containers.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the Direct Provision system is “far from ideal” but warned “the alternative is much worse”.
“I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.” Britain’s Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in a statement criticising media stories about his wife, Meghan.
“Often at times, I hear people talking as if [the UK] owns Ireland. Ireland owes [the UK] nothing. Ireland owes [the UK] no concessions, it owes it no quarter, it owes it nothing.” American novelist Bonnie Greer on BBC’s Question Time.
“If we fail to get an agreement because of what is essentially a technical discussion of the exact nature of future customs checks, when that technology is improving the whole time, then let us be in no doubt that the alternative is no deal.” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson discusses the issues around the Irish Border and Brexit at the Tory Party conference.
“I’ve always said that Brexit doesn’t end with the UK leaving, it’s just the next phase of negotiations, but if the UK were to request an extension, we would consider it, most EU countries would only consider it for good reason, but an extension would be better than no deal.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
“She could (run) but there’s no safer bet but that she won’t run. I would love to see her kick Trump’s ass.” Cody Keenan, a key adviser to Barack Obama, rules out Michelle Obama running for the presidency.
“We’re the happiest dads in the world.” Westlife’s Mark Feehily and fiance Cailean O’Neill become parents to a baby.
“Claire (Foy) I thought was brilliant, I know that Olivia is going to be. It’s more interesting when you see other portraits. It builds up a much more interesting picture than someone just coming back and doing (it).” Helen Mirren (74), reveals she has no plans to return to the role in Netflix’s The Crown.
“Since we’re going to be in Australia, it gives a whole new meaning to doing a concert Down Under. I’m not sure how much of us the sharks can take. Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley promotes the band’s upcoming concert off the coast of Australia to entertain sharks.