McManus Slams 'Television Predators'

Wicklow Labour TD Liz McManus has criticised the F.A.I decision to sell Irish international football rights to Sky television. She has also slammed Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for his failure to protect the interests of Irish football fans.

"The Taoiseach promotes himself as a lover of soccer yet he and his Government have failed totally to protect the public interest in the recent sell out by the

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F.A.I. of Irish fans to Sky television." she said. "Many people don't have Sky television and no-one should be forced to take out a subscription to Sky just to see Irish international games.

According to deputy McManus the Broadcasting Act of 1999 gave the Minister the power to name certain major events, including international soccer matches, which would be covered on free television services. However, these powers have not been used.

"It is hard to believe that incompetence alone explains why three years after Dail Eireann gave the Government the power to protect our major sporting events from television predators, no action has been taken", said deputy Mcmanus. "An explanation is owed to the Irish people for this failure", she added.