Charlie McConalogue: “The place for the Government to lead was not through a sports match but through the political arena”

The place for the Government to lead was not through a sports match but through the political arena.

I think it's important we respect that decision that they’ve made from a political point of view.

The FAI have to make a decision, in relation to partaking in the matches, they've made that decision, we as a Government support that decision, they’re right to make it.

No, I don’t believe it’s sportswashing ... I believe it’s a matter for the footballing bodies to make their decision on.