Hickey defends ministers

Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey has defended the policy of government ministers attending the Olympics.

Hickey insisted the Taoiseach, President and high ranking Government officials have a significant role to play at the London Games and deemed criticism of such trips “ridiculous”.

The OCI chief claimed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny was travelling for only one night, as he was fearful of the media reaction if he stayed longer.