On voting against the government over the Budget in December 2012: "I remain loyal to the Labour Party and to its values and the values of its membership. I am proud of all that the party has achieved throughout their 100 year existence and I will remain a member of the party and continue to work on its behalf".
Speaking in September 2012 on proposed health cuts ahead of the December budget : "I don't think Fianna Fáil or Sinn Féin have any credibility in this debate. The Minister is trying to address the deep-rooted problems created by Fianna Fáil".
When the Mahon tribunal report into planning irregularities was published in 2012: "Fianna Fáil is constantly referenced in the [Mahon tribunal] report, which bears testimony to the corrosive and destructive nature of Irish politics, as a consequence of the effect that Fianna Fáil has had on Irish politics down through the years."
When the Mahon tribunal report into planning irregularities was published in 2012: "The rampant corruption of many of Fianna Fáil's members and public representatives is part of the philosophy of tolerance that existed within the party."
As Labour candidate in Galway East in April 1997: "Everything I do provokes a response from the traditional politicians. They are now going to the discos, but they can't dance".
As USI president in January 1996 as students occupied the Department of Education offices: "There are 150,000 angry students to consider as the election approaches"
