Who do you think's after you, Shane, my lad? Or is it just the dark you're afeared of?

Human beings are pattern-seeking animals. It's part of our DNA. That's why conspiracy theories and gods are so popular: we always look for the wider, bigger explanations for things.

more guilt, guilt, guilt. That's the Irish condition.

He was one of those characters who felt that a weak handshake could somehow damage his authority, which meant that every handshake had to bloody hurt.

Then holding the star aloft and the bright sword advanced, Frodo, hobbit of the Shire, walked steadily down to meet the eyes.

Man is the cruelest animal.

I eat as healthy as I can. It is tough.

Being an MP is a good job, the sort of job all working-class parents want for their children -- clean, indoors and no heavy lifting. What could be nicer?

Bed is the best place for reading, thinking, or doing nothing.

To love to preach is one thing; to love to whom you preach is quite another.

To save all we must risk all.

I tried several times to get the song right. The tune and the chords that I started with, there really wasn't anywhere else it could go. I stopped fighting it and let it take me away.

Philosophy teaches us to bear with equanimity the misfortunes of others.

Some years ago, the federal government declared war on poverty, and poverty won.