FBI terror chief believes Bin Laden is dead

FBI counterterrorism chief Dale Watson said tonight he believes Osama bin Laden is dead - the first time a senior US law enforcement official has publicly given an opinion on the al-Qaida leader’s status.

Watson, speaking at a Washington conference of law enforcement officials, quickly emphasised that he had no evidence that the terror mastermind was dead, but his comments suggest that the FBI has no intelligence that proves bin Laden is alive.

‘‘Is bin Laden alive or is he dead?,’’ Watson said. ‘‘I am not really sure of the answer. I personally think he is probably not with us any more but I have no evidence to support that.’’

Watson also said that bin Laden’s network of terrorist training camps has been dismantled, but ‘‘there is no question in my mind ... we will be attacked again.’’

Watson, who rarely makes public appearances, is the top official for counterterrorism and counterintelligence in the FBI. He did not elaborate on his comments on bin Laden and rushed away from reporters after he spoke.

Since December, reports of bin Laden’s whereabouts and well-being have been sporadic and from different sources.

Earlier this month, a London-based Arabic newspaper said Osama bin Laden was wounded in a US bombing raid in Afghanistan last year but is in good health.

Mr Ahern said: ‘‘I believe it is vital that sporting events of major national importance that are an intrinsic part of Irish life should remain free to air on terrestrial television.

‘‘The events I have proposed listing are central to many peoples’ lives and should not be restricted to viewers with the means to afford subscriptions for pay-per-view.

‘‘As Minister responsible for broadcasting I believe I have a duty to act in the common good and in the interests of all of the public who have taken great pleasure and delight from the exploits of our great sportsmen and women.

‘‘Major sports events are now part of the fabric of society and how we view ourselves as a nation. They should remain within the reach of everyone, irrespective of their means.’’

Mr Ahern said he was receiving ‘‘ongoing legal advice’’ from the Attorney General and guidance from the European Commission.

He accepted that some of Ireland’s sporting bodies would be unhappy with the move but added: ‘‘I am determined that the public will have access to major sports events of national importance.

‘‘I am sure the sports bodies concerned understand that my duty as Minister is to act now and drive the process forward to a speedy conclusion.’’

Other events which the Government intends to list are the Olympic Games, the Irish Grand National Steeplechase and Irish Derby as well as All Ireland Senior Finals in Gaelic football and hurling.

Following the Cabinet decision, Mr Ahern and Sports Minister John O’Donoghue met officials from the FAI, Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).