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In politics, the reaction to a controversy is very often more enlightening and important than the details of the allegations themselves.

I understand that the nature of politics sometimes involves fending off frivolous, anonymous allegations.

All the charges you enumerate have been made with one purpose in mind-to place our office on the defensive and make us waste valuable time answering allegations that have no basis in fact.

Criticism of a policy is welcome. But in the garb of criticizing a policy, if you allege that the policy was made for corrupt purposes, I reject it.

In a democratic society, we politicians have to accept criticism, especially when it is founded.

Criticism in good faith is good. When it's targeted solely to destruction, I'm not interested.

I am ready to accept all accusations, allegations, anger - but I have to succeed.

Accusations are useless.

I've never had any problem with criticism. I've given a lot, and I've copped a lot. But I believe I've got a role to play by insisting that women be judged by their contribution - not somebody's view of what they should be about.

You can't defend the indefensible - anything you say sounds self-serving and hypocritical.