Dog racing chairman refuses to step aside

EMBATTLED Irish Greyhound Board chairman Paschal Taggart refused to step aside yesterday over his role in the doped greyhounds scandal, despite calls to do so from the opposition.

The businessman, who heads the State's greyhound board, has faced a barrage of criticism following the controversial sacking of the board's chief executive Aidan Tynan, and revelations that two positive findings for EPO a red blood cell booster that aids stamina were suppressed from publication.

The greyhound industry has received €70 million in State aid in recent years, and has grown into a significant business with an annual tote income of over €50m.

"I can categorically state that there is nothing in this as far as I am concerned. It's a storm in a teacup," Mr Taggart told the Irish Examiner. "I have absolutely no intention of stepping aside. I am very happy for a lawyer or a judge or an independent person to look into the matter. But stepping aside is not an option. I have absolutely nothing to fear."

Yesterday, the Labour Party's sport spokesman Jack Wall argued that Mr Taggart should step aside temporarily pending the outcome of any inquiry into the controversy.

His call came as Arts, Sports and Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue received the report from Mr Taggart outlining why Mr Tynan was sacked and explaining the decision not to 'name and shame' two trainers whose dogs tested positive for EPO.

The minister is expected to study the report over the next few days.

Mr Wall described the minister's response to the spat as totally inadequate.

"Paschal Taggart is obviously a party to the dispute. Mr O'Donoghue asked the chairman of the committee who sacked the CEO to give a report. That is not good enough... I believe Mr Taggart should step aside pending the resolution of all this," Mr Wall said.

Mr Taggart has maintained that Mr Tynan's sacking had nothing to do with the letter the former chief executive sent to Mr O'Donoghue.

It is understood that relations between Mr Tynan and the board, especially Mr Taggart, had become increasingly strained in recent months. He is now taking a legal action against his dismissal.

In the letter Mr Tynan stated Mr Taggart had ensured that the names of two greyhound trainers were not published after dogs trained by them tested positive for EPO last summer.

Mr Taggart announced yesterday he would outline his position at a press conference in Shelbourne Park, Dublin, on Saturday.