Competent managers
"[NSW] Treasury wanted to conduct an analysis of the risks of holding the Olympics, but Cabinet decided not to proceed with this until after Sydney won the Games." — Sydney Morning Herald, October 15.
Now they tell us
"Serious consideration should be given to withdrawing the [Olympic] bid." — NSW Treasury secretary Perch Allan in 1992.
And thick
"Although I had some famous rows with Bob Hawke, I found him easy to deal with. Like me, he was blunt and direct." — Margaret Thatcher in her memoirs, just published.
What other matters?
"Whatever differences we had on other matters, I found Mr Keating refreshingly orthodox on finance." — Thatcher's memoirs.
Like ambassador to Tirana
"That's a real talent, and we've got to find a way to use it. I've consistently said I'm looking for that way." — Liberal leader John Hewson on rumoured leadership challenger Bronwyn Bishop, who has announced plans to shift from the Senate to the House of Reps.
Behind his back
"I haven't heard anybody in our party or seen anybody in our party talk about the leadership for months." — John Hewson.
Thanks, Fred
"It also requires an interruption of sexual activity that can be daunting for unmarried or less mature partners." NSW MLC and bible basher Fred Nile, listing things he finds wrong with condoms.