Quotes of the week

My acquaintance with Laphroaig (whisky) has been at times just a little intense.

Tony Blair, Labour leadership contender, visiting Dumbarton distillery.

I call them the 'warm words' committee. They find out which words are acceptable in different parts of the country and they all touch buttons.

John Prescott, Labour leadership contender, on Tony Blair's campaign team.

I didn't think much of Tony Blair's eloquent prospectus. I know from my own life that when I am not sure what I'm talking about, that's when my eloquence increases.

Lord Soper, aged 91, soap-box orator for 68 years, on the streets of Leeds.

I was not as surprised as I would have liked to have been.

Margaret Beckett, Labour leadership contender, on lack of support from Shadow Cabinet colleagues.

(David Selbourne) is an intellectual bull who roams the world in search of china shops.

Tony Wright reviewing 'The Principle of Duty' in the 'New Statesman'.