Quotes of the week

"Burden sharing is obviously not working."
European Commission vice-president Gunther Verheugen on the principle adopted by the EU to share the problem of illegal immigration.

"Surely bad publicity... but removing the weeds is always positive."
Former national football coach Pippo Psaila on the cases of corruption and match fixing that have surfaced and which he said were just the tip of the iceberg.

"Dangerous."
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority on the toxic gas that prompted an evacuation of its employees from Hexagon House in Marsa.

"Mr Justice (Raymond) Pace is a brave man..."
Lawyer Georg Sapiano welcoming the landmark judgement that could make a number of established fireworks factories illegal due to the interpretation of what defines an inhabited area.

"Bold stance."
RSPB's international division director Alistair Gammell on Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi's decision to ban spring hunting pending a decision by the European Court of Justice.

"We had better nip it in the bud before we find him dead under a carob tree."
Magistrate Antonio Mizzi on the decision to remand a drug addict in custody for his own good.