What they said

 "One of the challenges we face today is to temper a rising tendency towards individualism within Irish society." - Mr Cowen speaks to the Dáil on becoming Taoiseach

"One of the challenges we face today is to temper a rising tendency towards individualism within Irish society." - Mr Cowen speaks to the Dáil on becoming Taoiseach

"I don't recall being quite so overwhelmed by Offaly people since the final moments of the 1981 hurling final." - Labour's Eamon Gilmore on the number of Mr Cowen's supporters in the Dáil public gallery

"The Government and your Ministers whoever they are, all these brilliant people waiting and doting on your every syllable for the last month, when they come back in here I'd like you to understand that when they fall down, you will be pursued relentlessly in this house." - Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny

"I welcome the fact that Offaly will shortly have the great honour, for the first time, of being the home county of a Taoiseach . . . Of course, this does not mean that I intend voting for Deputy Cowen." - Independent Dublin Central TD, Tony Gregory after noting that his own late mother was from Offaly

"The Brian Cowen I know is tough but fair minded, and gregarious, but thoughtful. He is relaxed but always focused on the task in hand." - Minister for the Environment and Green Party leader John Gormley, who seconded Mr Cowen's nomination

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times