I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else – I can give my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.

I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.

The lessons from the peace process are clear; whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.

At its heart, engineering is about using science to find creative, practical solutions. It is a noble profession.

The upward course of a nation’s history is due in the long run to the soundness of heart of its average men and women.

In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognise how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945.

Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.

Grief is the price we pay for love.

I myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast.

It’s all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you’re properly trained.