Buttimer questions 'shortsighted decision' to drop America's Cup bid

Jerry Buttimer said if there was political will at the highest level to secure the event for Ireland, with Cork at the host city, the bid would have been backed. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

A Fine Gael senator has challenged the Taoiseach and the sports minister to explain the Government’s “shortsighted decision” to withdraw from the bidding for the America’s Cup yacht race.

Jerry Buttimer said if there was political will at the highest level to secure the event for Ireland, with Cork as the host city, the bid would have been backed.