Popular lines for this purpose include, "Angels and ministers of grace defend us" (Hamlet 1.

The government announced that ministers must defend civil servants who act properly and in accordance with policies set out by the minister.

The prime minister defended his decision to impose a three-line whip on the referendum vote.

The minister also defended the decision not to use secondary teachers.

All prime ministers defend the programs of their ministry, and make budgetary choices.

Angels and ministers of grace defend us!

The minister defended his decision on the grounds that the constitution granted freedom of association and freedom of religion.

The prime minister also defended police chief Ian Blair, when several papers called on him to resign over the raid.

I would suggest that during a campaign the minister, Mr Cunha, could have defended himself in the same political way.

The ministers who sit in the Council of Ministers defend their national policy first and foremost.