The upward course of a nation's history is due in the long run to the soundness of heart of its average men and women

[To a woman whose cellphone rang during a formal meeting:] You'd better answer that. It could be someone important.

Madam President, speaking here in Dublin Castle it is impossible to ignore the weight of history, as it was yesterday when you and I laid wreaths at the Garden of Remembrance.

I believe that there is a great fear in our generation of being labeled as priggish.

Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.

It has perhaps always been the case that the waging of peace is the hardest form of leadership of all.

Families, friends and communities often find a source of courage rising up from within. Indeed, sadly, it seems that it is tragedy that often draws out the most and the best from the human spirit.