Quotes OF THE WEEK

‘I am Syrian. You have to treat me kindly. Mrs Merkel invited me.’

What one man in the mob of immigrants accused of sexually assaulting numerous women in Cologne on New Year’s Eve is said

to have told a police officer ‘So I’m in the corner drinking Lilt out of a coconut cup and I’m telling everyone how happy I am and Bieber is playing in the background.’

Saoirse Ronan, on how she learned of her Golden Globe nomination while having her nails done at Dublin salon Tropical Popical ‘Everyone is looking at the talent, they’re not interested in the screenwriter. I’m not borrowing a dress, I’m just wearing one of my own and I couldn’t care less.’

Emma Donoghue, Irish author, who has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her screenplay of her novel, Room, on what she’ll be wearing for the ceremony

‘Johnny Logan would want to watch out, Nicky Byrne is hot on his heels.’

Kian Egan, on the story that his Westlife bandmate Byrne might be singing for Ireland at the Eurovision ‘Going to the gym? Make sure and tell everyone about it.’

Tara Flynn, comic and writer, with an inspirational New Year thought ‘Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad.’

Barack Obama, wipes away tears as he recalls the 20 primary school children shot dead at a Connecticut

school in 2012 ‘Just try running with double Ds that are bouncing seven inches up and down. It’s distracting – and dangerous.’

Serena Williams, tennis star, on the perils of having a big bust

‘I think that we should be allowed time off from being famous. Three months. “Oh, it’s my time off, you can’t photograph me.”’

Jennifer Lawrence, actress