It is now for the Conservative Party to prove that it is capable of seeking to govern in the national interest. – Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg puts it up to David Cameron
I want to make a big, open and comprehensive offer to the Liberal Democrats. I want us to work together in tackling our country's big and urgent problems. I think we have a strong basis for a strong government. – The Conservative leader responds
Clearly if the discussions between Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg come to nothing, then I would of course be prepared to discuss with Mr Clegg the areas where there may be some measure of agreement between our two parties. – Gordon Brown's proposal
The emergency measures are the condition for us to regain our credibility and win time, lost time. The time to make the big changes that were delayed for years . . . We wouldn't be asking Greeks for these sacrifices, if this looting [by the previous government] hadn't taken place. – Greek prime minister George Papandreou
Our country is on the edge of the abyss.
– Greek president Karolos Papoulias after protesters set fire to a bank, killing three employees inside
Quite simply, Europe's future is at stake. – German chancellor Angela Merkel
