... I think Finance is the one that everybody aspires to, who's serious in politics, because that's where the real decisions are taken and I think it's a fascinating portfolio.

I have no interest or desire to be head of Fine Gael.... I am ambitious for my country and I always said I would love to sit at Cabinet.

I think Enda Kenny has shown himself to be a good leader in the sense that he can accept that people might have differences of opinion with him, but at the same time can see that it's useful to have them involved and part of the team and I very much appreciate that.

... I think Finance is the one that everybody aspires to, who's serious in politics, because that's where the real decisions are taken and I think it's a fascinating portfolio.

She later said: "If the Irish people vote in favour of gay marriage then I'll vote for gay marriage in the Oireachtas in order to recognise that position, but at the moment that is not recognised by the Constitution."

I don't spend much time in it. I go in there for my lunch and for coffee in the afternoon. I'd rarely be in there at night. I don't think it's neccessarily a bad thing but if it's abused obviously it's a bad thing.

I told him last Monday that I felt the way things were going it was unlikely that I would be able to vote for the legislation.