In my 10 or 12 years of experience as a Minister, I have learned that one cannot have 25 priorities because none of them would ever be dealt with properly.
- Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey whose "absolute priority" is to establish the Dublin Transport Authority.
I did not seek or ask for Mercs and perks.
- Independent TD Finian McGrath on his deal with the Taoiseach to support the Government.
• In yesterday's Irish Times, Minister for Health Mary Harney was quoted as saying the following: "I believe every government has a mandate, and a responsibility, to consider and implement new initiatives in the public interest".
The impression was given that her comments related to the appointment of three extra Ministers of State by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
In fact, Mary Harney's quote came from a speech she delivered in the Dáil last Tuesday night on the issue of co-located hospitals.
