Games are 'little more than an ego trip' for organisers says pop impresario Walsh

Olympic newslines: The Special Olympics are "not the kind of thing you want to watch on TV" and are little more than an ego trip for some of those involved in organising them, said music manager Louis Walsh.

Walsh was contacted by The Irish Times for a series of interviews with different public figures about their views on the upcoming Special Olympics World Games.

The interviewees were asked about the importance of the Games and their possible long- term benefits.

He said he did not think the Games were "nearly as important as a lot of people like to think they are. I don't think they're a big deal for the plain people of Ireland. They're a big deal for the people involved in organising them and a big ego trip for some in particular."

"It's a lot like a State funeral on television, you know, people will watch a bit here and there, but I don't think people are interested in it really. They certainly won't be glued to it. They won't be watching in Kiltimagh where I'm from."

He said people weren't going to be that interested in the sporting events. "They aren't going to be interested in who wins what."

Walsh, who manages two of the acts taking part in the opening and closing ceremonies, said, however, he was looking forward to the "big show" next Saturday.

One of those acts, singer Samantha Mumba, is taking part in the opening ceremony at Croke Park while Westlife will lead the entertainment at the closing ceremony, also at Croke Park on June 29th.

Asked whether he thought the Games would have a lasting positive dividend for the disabled here, he said: "I really don't, honestly. I think it'll all be over in a few weeks and that will be the end of it.

"People are too busy caught up in their own lives to take much notice."

His comments are likely to be greeted with dismay by those hoping the Games will have a positive long-term impact on public attitudes to disability.

Others interviewed for the series being published on Wednesday, including Reid Professor of Law at Trinity College, Ms Ivana Bacik, and disabled rights campaigner, Ms Kathy Sinnott, said they thought the Games would "be the next chapter" in the public's education on disability and would help increase pressure on the Government to better address the sectors' needs.

Louis Walsh, however, said the Games would be little more than a "great show".

"Yes, I'll be at the opening ceremony and it will be a good day out. But it's just another big show and I don't think people are going to be glued to this."