No hurry
"I think the [Liberal] Party has to develop perhaps a little bit more of a social conscience in this term of office." — Tasmanian Liberal Senator John Watson.
He's relaxed
"If you tell people enough that they are working too hard, in the end, people might well believe it." — Garry Brack, head of the Employers' Federation of NSW, arguing that overwork and stress are all in the mind.
Sole concern
"The dual function [combined political and military role] is part of the armed forces' soul. You cannot change your soul." — Indonesian President B.J. Habibie in an interview in the November 9 Australian.
Biological correction
Newt Gingrich, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, has resigned from Congress. Earlier this year, this column said that Newt was the name of a reptile. In fact, all the other newts are amphibians.
Image problem
"This has hurt our image." — General Manuel Sandoval, just before resigning as head of the Colombian Air Force, after one of its planes, searched in Florida, was found to be carrying 744 kg of cocaine.
Two firsts
"In a sensitive but frank manner." — Prime Menzies John Howard, on how he will raise with Malaysian PM Mahathir the trial of Mahathir's former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim.
Thinking only of you
"We will not be railroaded into making premature decisions that are not in the best interests of our customers." — Hyundai head C.K. Liew, refusing to order a recall of Excel cars, some of which have welding defects affecting the right front wheel.