Interest of who?

“All options should be on the table. Surely you’ve got to get in and protect the interests of the state.” – Mike Baird, likely to be the next NSW treasurer if the Liberals win the March election, on bailing out the private-public corporation that is making a mess of producing new train carriages.

Forgot to tell you earlier

“In all sincerity, regardless of the current circumstances, I never intended to be a candidate for another term.” – Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak, forced by mass protests to announce he would not seek re-election as president.

Contrary to our hopes

“Thus far the Egyptian military has acted with professionalism and restraint.” – Pentagon spokesperson Colonel Dave Lapan.

Some will miss him-1

“The collapse of the old regime in Cairo, if it takes place, will have a massive effect, mainly negative, on Israel’s position in the region.” – Israeli military analyst Amos Harel, writing in Haaretz.

Some will miss him-2

“Immensely courageous and a force for good” – British Labour former PM Tony Blair on Hosni Mubarak.

God goes modern

“Our bishop was very excited about it.” – Patrick Leinen, one of the creators of an iPhone “confession app” that, for only US$1.99, helps Catholics make their confessions and even proposes acts of contrition.

Best possible pollution

“... we ... require strict adherence to the best possible standards in terms of health, safety and environment.” – Martin Ferguson, federal minister for resources and energy, announcing that an oil company that caused a 10-week spill off the north-west coast in 2009 will be allowed to continue operating in Australian waters.

Dirty laundry

“It’s the whole shadow cabinet – they should be put through a washing machine.” – WA Liberal MP Mal Washer, on the party leaders’ proposal to cut funding for an education program in Indonesia.