QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“I did not evade, or attempt to evade, a garda.” Barry Cowen last Sunday.

“More questions have arisen over the weekend and more clarity is needed.” Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin last Monday.

“Legitimate doubts and additional questions are being raised, and Government colleagues are expected to address these. This is simply untenable.” Taoiseach Micheal Martin last Tuesday announcing the sacking of Barry Cowen.

“The decision of the Taoiseach to remove me from office, when he supported me this afternoon in the Dail, has undermined and potentially prejudiced my entitlement to fair process.”

Barry Cowen reacts to his sacking last Wednesday.

“We all serve at the pleasure of the Taoiseach.” Junior minister Thomas Byrne last Wednesday after denying online claims that he initially gave the story to the media.

‘‘We are still at ground zero in the search for Trevor, but we will keep on trying.’’

Michele Deely, speaking 20 years after the disappearance of her brother Trevor.

‘‘Someone knows Sandra’s fate — I pray they don’t take the secret to their grave.’’

Patrick Collins, speaking 20 years after the disappearance of his sister Sandra.

“This is a shocking decision and is a hammer blow to thousands of pubs and local communities around the country.” Vintners’ Federation of Ireland chief Padraig Cribben after the decision to postpone the opening of pubs until August 10.

“Tis fairly foolish to think that the virus can know whether you’re eating with your pint or not.”

TD Danny Healy-Rae slates the decision on pubs.

“I’ve received more abuse than any other player during my nine years in England, whether that be death threats, or bullets in the post... Does one kind of discrimination hold a higher bearing over another act of discrimination?”

Irish international James McClean pointing to the lack of support he has received from fellow footballers for the abuse he has received.

“It has always been our position that no preferential treatment was given to Apple and based on Irish law, the correct tax was charged.”

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe welcoming the European Court ruling in the €13bn Apple tax case

“The rug was pulled from underneath

Leaving Cert students with the flip-flopping about holding the Leaving Cert or not, and now this is yet another issue that adds to the stress and anxiety that they’re already facing.”

USI president Lorna Fitzpatrick on the decision to delay the Leaving Cert results and CAO offers until September.