Was this a question of George Lee joining Fine Gael or Fine Gael joining George Lee…?

RTE's Seán O'Rourke grills Lee about his resignation on the News at One

It has been a very difficult decision, but it is one that I have taken after a great deal of reflection on my position and on the role that I have played since entering politics

An extract from George Lee's resignation letter sent to Ceann Comhairle Séamus Kirk last Monday

Deputy Power is a smart ass and should look at the problems within his own party

Fine Gael TD Seán Barrett responds to a Fianna Fáil jibe across the Dáil chamber on Thursday about Lee's resignation.

What I'm going to do now is be myself. And I'm going to speak out from my heart on the issues I believe Ireland needs for change

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny speaks in the aftermath of Lee's departure

I regret to say that I can no longer support the Green Party in government, as I believe that we have gradually abandoned our political values and our integrity and in many respects have become no more than an extension of the Fianna Fáil party

An extract from Senator Deirdre de Burca's resignation letter sent to Green Party leader John Gormley on Friday.

It's a political message that we wanted to send out. The Greek government will take the responsibility for cleaning up its public finances

European Council president Herman Van Rompuy, on the announcement the EU countries would help resolve Greece's financial difficulties.

When Comrade Nelson Mandela was released, as he walked out of these prison gates, we knew that his freedom had arrived. As he became free we also knew that we were now free

Cyril Ramaphosa, senior ANC?figure and former head of the reception committee behind the 20 year anniversary of Mandela's release from prison in South Africa

For a little while I didn't believe in myself, but now I've got back that self-belief. Things are starting to happen again and I'm excited

Boyzone singer Mikey Graham whose song was shortlisted to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Bank of Scotland leave, they take with them competition and choice. Taoiseach, we can't have a return to the old days of the cosy cartel that operated between Bank of Ireland and AIB

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny reacts to news that Halifax branches in Ireland are to close.