THE Government will not change its view that no further, Exchequer money can be put into the World Equestrian Games, senior sources have said.
The risk of exposing the tax-payer to potential losses, running into million of pounds still exists, a spokeswoman for the Minister for Tourism and Trade Mr Kenny, said last night.
Her comments followed a call on the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, by Fianna Fail's tourism and trade spokesman, Mr David Andrews, to intervene and save the prestigious and worthwhile event
He attacked the Government for "failing to make any effort to save the World Equestrian Games". Mr Andrews, said his party will seek an investigation by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee if the State loses the £1.5 million bond which was signed for the games.
The games now appeared to be in "complete jeopardy all because Minister Kenny refuses, to show any flexibility or vision", he added.
But the Minister's spokeswoman said the Government's position had not changed. The Minister still awaited a revised proposal from the World Equestrian Games, the private company set up to organise and run the event.
The WEG won the bid for the games two years ago, but the Government never gave "a commitment to underwrite the event", she said.
The Government gave £250000 in 1994 and a similar sum last year, on the basis that WEG would seek commercial sponsorship
Bord Failte signed a £1.5 million bond which the WEG had to give to the FED, the international equestrian federation. Bord Failte has sought advice, and believes there is a case against making the payment.
According to Mr Andrews, it makes no sense, for the Government to turn its back on the equestrian event when the State has already signed a £1.5 million bond, through Bord Failte, to host them.
"Better to get some value for this money than, to throw it and a major marketing opportunity away," he added.