RONAN FOX,
Sir, - The FAI/Sky sell-out shows up the cynical opportunism of the Taoiseach's carefully cultivated sports fan image. When it comes to a decent photo opportunity he's one of us, a fan on the ditch/terrace, but when it comes to making a tough decision he will sit up there on his fence whenever possible. We mustn't forget that when Bertie has finished showing his face on the terraces he's off to the directors box to sup with his real friends, the administrators and sponsors, the money men.
As Roddy Flynn so clearly outlined (Opinion, July 10th), "sports fan" Bertie could grasp this nettle if he really wanted to. He could make the decision if he had any convictions about it at all. I have been involved in petitioning Bertie et al. over the disgraceful dropping of Eurosport by the Government-licensed monopoly NTL - the last big blow to Irish sports fans.
Did they want to know? Of course not. - Yours, etc.,
Ronan Fox,
The Pines,
Killester,
Dublin 5.
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A chara, - I have been an avid League of Ireland fan for many years. I regularly attend both domestic and international matches. I am appalled by what the FAI has done to Irish soccer, particularly its younger fans.
Some writers to this page wonder why people are so annoyed about what the FAI has done. They say it has simply sold to the highest bidder. The FAI has received over €15 million this year alone from taxpayers to help fund the development of the game in Ireland. These same taxpayers are now being starved of international football by the greed of the FAI. The FAI wants to have its cake and eat it.
If the FAIs wants to sell TV rights to Sky, a penny more of our tax money should be given to it. The Government should ensure all funding to the FAI, IRFU and GAA is on the basis that all home internationals and all GAA matches should be shown on terrestrial TV. It is time for the Minister for Sport to act before it too late. - Is mise,
Liam Kidney,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath.
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Sir, - Barry Lavin (July 10th) suggests that all of us "whingers" complaining about the SKY/FAI deal should regularly attend League of Ireland matches, as if only this can give us the right to complain. I am a soccer supporter. I support the Irish soccer team and attend international matches on occasion, but most of my support comes from the comfort of my armchair.
I feel no guilt for this. I pay for my TV licence and I'm fully entitled to watch Irish international and English Premiership games on TV and to support any sport in any way I see fit. I have no interest in League of Ireland soccer as I find it dull, boring and of a poor standard.
Mr Lavin is entitled to his view, but to pour scorn on other soccer supporters' right to a view on the current controversy just because we find no entertainment in local soccer is pathetic and élitist. - Yours, etc.,
Michael J. Buckley,
Ballinclea Heights,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.