Sinn Féin TD Sorca ClarkeClarke hails victory for local clubs after 'Government u-turn'Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke said the final text of the new Gambling Bill represented a victory for charities and sporting bodies in Westmeath and Longford. She welcomed the passage of the Gambling Bill, and said that Sinn Féin pressure had forced the government to u-turn on wording that would have prevented sports clubs and charitable organisations raising necessary funds. Deputy Clarke said: “We supported the passage of the bill in its final form, having forced the government to amend its position on charitable and sporting fundraising. “This is a victory for those organisations and that perseverance, but the reality is that we shouldn’t have had to drag the government to that position. “We support a regulated trade and acknowledge its importance to prevent the involvement of organised crime and grey market operators.

Source: Irish Independent October 21, 2024 11:44 UTC