Integrity
"Ministerial job offers have been flying thick and fast in the past two days as both sides try to stitch up the numbers for tomorrow's vote. Caucus sources claim the same jobs in the ministry have been offered to different MPs by the Keating forces." — Sun Herald, June 2.
Principled
"It's a matter of principle — if you're going to buy votes you should have the cash when it's time to pay up." — Federal Labor MP commenting on the above charges.
Faith and a big stick
"I've got faith in the good sense of the people in the party." — Queensland ALP right-wing numbers man Bill Ludwig after an initial comment that any Queensland right-winger who voted for Keating "would die" and would receive "personal visits".
Belated revelation
"Sir Peter Abeles is not even a member of the Labor Party and yet the future leadership of the party was discussed in his presence. It may as well have been any other of [Hawke's] other mates — like Alan Bond or Laurie Connell." — Sacked Hawke government minister and Keating supporter Peter Duncan.
Sold!
"Businessmen and entrepreneurs have already shown a keen interest in snaring both men [Hawke and Keating] for jobs with salaries starting at $1 million a year." — Sunday Telegraph, June 2.
Why not indeed?
"Why wouldn't an enhanced deterrent, a more stable peace, a better prospect to denying the ones who enter conflict in the first place to have a reduction of offensive systems and an introduction to defensive capability? I believe that is the route this country will eventually go." — US Vice President Dan Quayle.
Respect or resignation?
"Despite the resurrection of many of the Quayle gaffes during President George Bush's recent heart trouble, an increasing note of respect has become apparent in the American media for Bush's offsider." — David McNicoll in the Bulletin.
Tempting offer
"Throw me in jail, throw away the key." — Victorian Liberal leader Jeff Kennett, May 27.
Truth
He "told the truth under the circumstances". — US Senator Charles S. Robb, defending US ambassador to Korea Donald Gregg, a former CIA agent and George Bush aide, who denied any knowledge of the Iran-Contra affair despite strong documentary evidence to the contrary.