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.