"I think when a politician sets a timetable for departure, you are a lame duck leader. It would not be fair to anyone to do that"
Mary Harney announces her intention to step down as leader of the Progressive Democrats

"I am not going to set a precise date now. I don't think that's right"
Tony Blair announces his intention to step down as leader of Britain's Labour Party

"It was kind of surreal. I thought it was Willie O'Dea dressed up"
Bert Wright, manager of Hughes and Hughes bookshop in Dun Laoghaire, after a visit from singer Michael Jackson and two of his children

"Call 999. Richard Hawley's been robbed"
Alex Turner, lead singer of Arctic Monkeys, after his band had beaten Hawley to win this year's Mercury Music Award