Smurfit Calls For New Awards

By Colm Heatley

One of Ireland's best known, and most successful businessmen, Michael Smurfit, says he wants to set up an awards programme to recognise individuals who make outstanding contributions to Irish life.

Mr Smurfit, who co-owns the K Club, where the Ryder Cup will be staged next month, says he has lobbied former taoisigh to help set-up the awards scheme.

He said that such a programme was a natural reaction to the success the country has enjoyed over the past decade.

"I think we should have an awards system and I broached that with a number of taoisigh over the years," he said.

"Some were sympathetic, some were not. Some thought it was a political hot potato.

''I don't agree. I think it's just a natural outcrop of what we have in Ireland. I think we should reward our citizens who have done brave things in some tangible way and make them proud."

Mr Smurfit also spoke about the controversy surrounding the television rights to this year's Ryder Cup.

Earlier this year Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, suggested the event would be free to air on RTE.

However Mr Smurfit says it was known well in advance that Sky TV had exclusive rights to the tournament.

''I would have preferred to see it so that everyone could have watched it, but that is not to be," said Mr Smurfit.

''Sky have a legal contract. We knew that contract existed before we got [the Ryder Cup] to Ireland.

''The government knew that contract existed, and the legislation that covers these sporting event things was enacted after we signed the contract with the Ryder Cup," he said.

"When we signed the contract with the Ryder Cup, it specifically said that we would adhere to the contracts that the Ryder Cup had with other people."

The Ryder Cup is expected to attract some high profile spectators, but Smurfit refused to name names.

''I'm party to certain security situations which I cannot discuss," he said.