BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Quotes at a glance

As Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson announces his resignation from the government, BBC News Online looks back at some of the comments made during the row over his intervention over Srichand Hinduja's passport application.

"I should have been clear that it was me personally, not the secretary, who spoke to the Home Office minister."

Peter Mandelson

"Peter did not get involved - beyond being asked to get involved, which he did not."

Alastair Campbell, speaking on Monday

"Yesterday... Peter's office was able to look at it in further detail and was able to recollect that he had a call with Home Office minister Mike O'Brien."

Alastair Campbell, speaking on Tuesday

"As with anything that comes along, it is far and away the best thing to tell the full story as openly as possible at the outset."

Home Office minister Charles Clarke

"There must be more to politics than the constant media pressure that has dogged me over the last five or so years. I want to lead a more normal life, both in politics, and in the future, outside."

Peter Mandelson

"I think that my right honourable friend has done the right thing and the honourable thing. I also think he is a bigger man than many of his critics."

Prime Minister Tony Blair

"I believe it was right for him to come back as Northern Ireland secretary and I believe that in the broad sweep of history that will be far greater than what has happened in the last 24 hours, tragic though it is."

Tony Blair

"He has done the right thing, but it is a pity the prime minister's judgement led him to have do it twice in the space of one Parliament."

Conservative leader William Hague

"To reappoint in September 1999 a disgraced minister 10 months after he was forced to resign, in breach of every convention and precedent, was a demonstration of the arrogance with which the prime minister wields his power."

William Hague

"Peter Mandelson remains our candidate, and continues to have the confidence of the Labour Party, and continues to have my confidence."

Russell Hart, leader of the Labour Group on Hartlepool Council

"Few people will be shedding any tears for Peter Mandelson on his leaving Northern Ireland."

Deputy leader of Democratic Unionist Party Peter Robinson

"The government is keen to distance itself from the Tory years of sleaze and Mr Mandelson was not helping that process."

Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, Norman Baker

"It is a matter of public record that Peter Mandelson and Sinn Fein were in disagreement over many issues. Notwithstanding that, I wish him well for the future."

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams

"Peter Mandelson has lost his job again - and Tony Blair's New Labour government has lost all credibility."

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney

"It is always dangerous for politicians to mix with the very rich - even if nothing untoward occurs there is always a suspicion of impropriety."

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy