Deenihan: Govt to blame for 2008 bid failure

Fine Gael spokesman on arts, sports and tourism, Jimmy Deenihan TD, said today he was deeply disappointed that the Ireland/Scotland bid to host the 2008 championships was unsuccessful.

Mr Deenihan said: "The lack of availability of the two stadia was a critical factor and the Government must take responsibility for the unsuccessful outcome.

"But for their interference with the FAI and GAA, the probability is that the bid would have been successful."

Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue said he was 'bitterly disappointed'.