Tommy Martin: Obvious how little political capital Irish football really has

Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne's remarks will act as a reality check for soccer people hoping they might see the game put on a healthy footing in this country

Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD, centre, and Tánaiste of Ireland Micheál Martin TD, right of centre. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

WHENEVER you are listening to a politician, you have to firstly decipher what they are saying and, secondly, to whom they are saying it.

Sports Minister Thomas Byrne has been prominent recently riding the wave of public approval for Team Ireland’s success at the Paris Olympics.