The people crushed inside there will be very difficult to identify, because many of them may only be part of people. - Jorg Haslinger who is heading the train rescue operation in Eschede, Germany
Sooner or later we must talk to people we don't like . . . and we've got to prepare our people for that day. - The Rev Bill Moore, of Taughmonagh, Belfast, at the Presbyterian General Assembly in Belfast
I hope the nationalist community appreciates the difficulty I have been placed in. - Derry's new DUP mayor, Ald Joe Miller, on his deputy, Lynn Fleming, of Sinn Fein
When I was at the dispatch box and I was excessively reasonable, it usually meant I had something to hide. - John Major speaking in the Commons about his days as prime minister
Nobody is saying we shouldn't try to solve this issue once and for all, but it is only fair that the sites are shared out evenly, otherwise we will be back to the old NIMBY [not in my backyard] principle. - Olivia Mitchell (FG) on plans for traveller halting sites in south Co Dublin
Politicians are always corrupt: that's the one true constant. I know that one day I want to get involved in politics. - Brenda Schad, the Wonderbra model
I'm hoping for better luck this time. - Albert Reynolds, as his appeal arising out of the Sun- day Times libel action opened this week
You can love us, you can hate us, but you cannot ignore us. - PUP leader David Ervine on increased support for his party
I call upon all our members in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to pray for all our political leaders so that they may act justly, speak truthfully and love mercy. - the Rev Dr John Dixon, the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
The partnership process is a bit like the peace process: nobody ever felt it would do away with all the conflict on its own. - Peter Cassells, ICTU general secretary
Haven't the people of Northern Ireland suffered enough? - John Devlin in a letter to The Irish Times on recent visits by Elton John and U2
Yes, I was drunk. I got drunk quite quickly - I'd not had a drink in nine days. - Paul Gascoigne on his condition the night before he was told he was off the England World Cup team
His dreary granite-jawed decision is at best idiotic and at worst weak and weasel-like. - Gazza's pal Danny Baker denounces England manager Glenn Hoddle's decision
To increase your chance of winning a medal, iron the cheese before sending it.
- Advice in the British Cheese Awards newsletter
Peter Mandelson is a pussy cat, by which I mean he is a sleek and mean carnivore who should never be rubbed up the wrong way. - Cartoonist Martin Rowson
I have 100 doctorates, two professorships and more medals than Brezhnev. If I put all these medals on you would need a crane to lift me. That causes envy. - Lech Walesa explains why he was not re-elected president of Poland
The role of a reporter is not to solve problems but to raise them, and that, at the very least, is better than forgetting that they exist. - TV presenter Jonathan Dimbleby
We are absolutely thrilled to bits. I thought something was strange when I began to feel sick and when I had the test I just couldn't believe it. - Mandy Allwood (32), who lost eight babies, but is pregnant again, four months after giving birth to a girl
