Taoiseach expresses disappointment at bid failure

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has issued a statement to express his disappointment at Ireland and Scotland's failure to secure the European Championships in 2008.

Mr Ahern said a "tremendous amount of effort" was made to secure the competition.

He also congratulated Switzerland and Austria, who won the bidding process. Mr Ahern's statement made no reference to accusations that the Government was responsible for the Celtic bid's failure.