When it was announced in July 2002, conveniently after the general election in May, that Sky Sports had bought the rights from the FAI, we heard the usual mantra from Ministers about how disappointed they were. The Minister was disappointed, as was the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue. The Taoiseach, who sees himself as a great supporter of Manchester United and Dublin, also expressed his disappointment and said it would was unfair that people in the west had to traipse down from their houses in the hills to watch Sky Sports in the local public house. However, it was convenient to say this at that stage. The general election was over and, regardless of what Sky Sports thinks, it is well known that the Rupert Murdoch organisation has enunciated its support for Fianna Fáil over a period of time.