I think diversity can also be a resource, an asset, especially in a world that is becoming globalized, to deal with difference, to deal with variety, to deal with complexity.

My mother wanted me to be a professor, because I have several people in my family who are professors at university.

I say to my friends, 'Don't just listen to the vuvuzelas; look at who scores the goals.' And this is the important thing.

The euro area must not be treated as an "opt out" from the European Union.

I believe that Europe without Britain at the heart will be less reform-driven, less open, less international Europe.

Internal protectionism in Europe would be deadly, really a disaster for European economies.

For investor confidence, it is important that there is certainty about the future of Ireland in E.U.