Charlie Dempsey’s Own Goal – World Exclusive Interview With Dempsey – South African Response – Cancer Inquiry – Fiji Coup
CHARLIE DEMPSEY’S OWN GOAL: A spectacular own goal which will redefine the meaning of the word Charlie. Oceania Fifa representative Charlie Dempsey abstained from the vote on the 2006 World Cup. Embarrassment at the highest levels. Helen Clark had spoken to the SA President last night on the bid. There are allegations of bribery against the German bidders, and of death threats. Soccer NZ and 10 other Oceania members are stunned at the decision. South African consul meets with Sports Minister Trevor Mallard today and comes out talking of betrayal. Dempsey is due to arrive back in the country tomorrow and will meet with officials on Saturday,
WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DEMPSEY: Speaking from Singapore to John Campbell – “I had very strong reasons for what I did but I am not going into them. I did not do it lightly…. There was unsustainable pressure. I will make all my statements Monday morning at 11am. I am fully aware of the controversy this has created.” Q: “Did you do the right thing?” A: “I have no regrets for what I did. None whatsoever. Lots of people are jumping to conclusions. It wasn’t easy.”
SOUTH AFRICAN RESPONSE: South Africans are very disappointed for the economic impacts of the decision. State Television went into mourning. SA believes it was a stitch up by the Europeans. President Mbecki and former President Mandela toasted the winners and the losers.
CANCER INQUIRY: A government agency which reported on Dr Michael Bottrill’s laboratory says that Dr Bottrill’s Gisborne laboratory was deficient in very many ways. The evidence was challenged by counsel at the inquiry. Why haven’t we heard about this before? This report is from Telarc and it gathers the information for itself and the client – the laboratory itself.
FIJI
COUP: Tensions are heightening in Suva following the
imposition of the exclusion zone around Parliament.
Overnight power and phone services were disrupted by
supporters of the Coup. Residents are upset about having to
leave their houses. Coup spokesman Jo Nata says the
exclusion zone is a joke and people are still getting in and
out of the compound. Tonight’s imposition of the zone will
be a big test for the military.