Quotes of the Week

Has he asked at reception? - Staff member at Hythe Imperial hotel, Kent, on being told by an Italian cyclist that Chris Boardman had lost his yellow jersey.

Men are much bitchier than women. - Margaret Beckett, campaigning for the Labour leadership.

We apologise to our clients for the difficulties they have experienced. - Ros Hepplewhite on the first year of the Child Support Agency.

Only one person out of more than 1,000 questioned in the survey said they missed the Queen when they were on holiday. - High Peak Courier, quoted in 'New Statesman'.

God was a Bulgarian today. - Hristo Stoichkov on Bulgaria's World Cup victory over Mexico.

Politicians are often praised for their ability to coin one-liners, but I have shown how effective the one-worder can be when this is the only weapon that a fringe candidate is allowed in his armoury. - Richard Huggett, who polled 10,000 votes as a Literal Democrat.