“WHO DECIDED THIS AND WHY?”
Moynihan lashes Covid sport lockdown
CORK North West TD Michael Moynihan has slammed the decision to block spectators from all sporting events and has demanded that the Cabinet publish the evidence behind the controversial decision.
The Fianna Fáil backbencher - who has been an outspoken critic of Taoiseach Micheál Martin - said he cannot understand the logic behind the decision to force sport behind closed doors.
Deputy Moynihan said if there is empirical evidence to back up the controversial decision it must be published if the public and sports fans are to get behind it.
“The pandemic has turned peoples’ lives upside down. Every stage of opening up the country poses huge challenges but the public have to understand why decisions have been made,” he said.
“To have no spectators at a match? I can’t for the life of me understand the logic behind that,” said Deputy Moynihan.
“You take a pitch in a small area or a village, not one of the big stadiums. You’ll have 10 yards between people watching a game, nevermind two metres”.
Deputy Moynihan questioned why the decision had been made to target sport when most of the published evidence pointed to clusters linked to house parties and gatherings; workplaces and accomodation centres.
“I want to know why this decision made and what is the reasoning for it? Why was that conclusion reached?” Deputy Moynihan said.
Deputy Moynihan said that while the public has been understanding of - and complient with - the restrictions so far there is a danger this patience may run out.
“So far people have been very patient. The public has been very good and should be applauded. They want the facts and to be informed of the basis for this decision,” he said.
“I’m hearing this from people all over Cork and Kerry. They cannot understand it and they want to know the rationale for it”.