Thomas P. O'Neill

Politician

1912-12-09

Quotes by Thomas P. O'Neill

• I intend to be a strong Speaker. I hope to make some imaginative changes around here.

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• In 1977, when I became Speaker, I started meeting with TV reporters each morning when I arrived at work. Later in the morning, I would hold a news conference before the House opened. I always told the truth and almost never answered with 'no comment.'

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• I think the speaker of the House in Congress should be like the Massachusetts speaker: all-powerful. He should appoint committee chairmen and remove them if they stray from the party line. He should be answerable only to the caucus, which can remove him at any time. I'd throw the seniority system out on its ear in Congress.

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• You can teach an old dog new tricks, and this old dog wants to learn.

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• Let us forget the frustrations of the past and think of our unfulfilled potential.

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