From The Observer:
Irish premier Bertie Ahern has refused to intervene on behalf of Sir Alex Ferguson in his dispute with horse racing tycoon John Magnier over ownership of stud rights for the racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.
It has emerged the Manchester United manager made a personal approach to the Taoiseach over two weeks ago, but Ahern declined to be drawn into the bitter feud.
A source within the Taoiseach's office confirmed he been contacted by Ferguson and senior executives at Old Trafford. Ahern is a keen United fan and a regular visitor to Old Trafford where he has met the manager on several occasions. But while his allegiance to the club is strong, he felt it wasn't appropriate to become involved in the legal row, according to a senior government advisor.
A source within the Taoiseach's office confirmed he been contacted by Ferguson and senior executives at Old Trafford. Ahern is a keen United fan and a regular visitor to Old Trafford where he has met the manager on several occasions. But while his allegiance to the club is strong, he felt it wasn't appropriate to become involved in the legal row, according to a senior government advisor.
'While he wants to see this dispute resolved like everyone else, he's not interested in the money side of football,' said the source.