Dúirt Siad...

I might have appointed somebody but I appointed them because they were friends not because of anything they had given me. — Taoiseach Bertie Ahern puts friendship before competence thus missing the point whilst addressing allegations he had appointed cronies who had given him money to public bodies. The Sunday Business Post on 1 October.

If it were that I found that there were a need for something like a Taser then I would feel entitled to say it. — Six county Police Ombudsman tacitly opposes the proposed introduction of deadly taser guns for the PSNI. Irish News 2 October.

I might add that there are no marches on the street about the current controversy but people are taking to the streets demanding their healthcare rights as we saw recently in Monaghan and as we will see again on Saturday 21 October when we in Sinn Féin hold a healthcare rally in Dublin. — Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD speaking in the Dáil during the dabate on Bertie Ahern's finances. Tuesday, 3 October.

Des Richardson is one of those who assisted the Taoiseach in his time of need. He is also a person who was close to Enterprise Oil when they secured the contract for the Corrib field and who cleared the Fianna Fáil debt through undisclosed donations from big business. Enterprise demonstrated their gratitude by hosting the fund raising tent for Fianna Fáil at the Galway Races. Shell have been the ultimate beneficiaries and I am certain that they are no less grateful. — Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris on the connections between Fianna Fáil and those behind the controversial Corrib gas project. Tuesday, 3 October.

Broadly speaking there had been about 250 instances of bribes being paid. — Former bag man for big business Frank Dunlop at the Mahon Tribunal on 3 October.

After years of sectarian anti-Catholic rhetoric from Ian Paisley, it is of course welcome that a meeting between himself and Archbishop Sean Brady will take place. However, it is ironic that Ian Paisley, the majority voice of political unionism will not talk to Gerry Adams, the majority voice of political nationalism unless it is about Gerry Adams repenting for his 'sins' while at the same time Ian Paisley will only talk to the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Brady about political matters. — Sinn Féin Newry/Armagh MP Conor Murphy calling on Ian Paisley to face up to his political responsibilities. Tuesday, 3 October.