The IMF was due to have hosted the opening of the National Boat Show in the RDS today but agreed to defer the event it in response to foot-and-mouth concerns. "Postponement was a very serious step for the marine industry, but the national interest transcends our own activities," said IMF chairman Mr David O'Brien. It was "only reasonable" to expect Government guidelines would be observed across the board, Mr O'Brien said.
The Office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners announced in press advertisements yesterday it was withdrawing from the two-day fair, sponsored by FAS. A spokeswoman for the Minister said he had attended the fair at short notice and was not aware at the time that the commissioners had pulled out.
But he had observed all precautionary disinfectant measures.