Acceptance of guilt

While Michelle Smith de Bruin has, through a statement from her Dublin-based solicitors, decided not to give media interviews, reaction to the upholding of her four-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been typically varied.

The Minister for Tourism and Sport, Dr Jim McDaid, acknowledged to RTE that the evidence submitted by FINA to the three-judge panel at the CAS was very strong.

"We are all saddened but unfortunately we have to condemn, not condone," he said. "The evidence is overwhelming as far as I am concerned. This case is now finished."

Replying to a question, McDaid also spoke of the many Irish records set by the disgraced swimmer over the years. She currently holds nearly every record in the book.

"It would appear to be logical that the records should be wiped off the books, but that is a matter for the newly-formed Swim Ireland to decide. They (Swim Ireland) are literally out of the frying pan and into the fire," he added, referring to the recent sex abuse scandals which have torn the sport apart.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, told RTE that he felt "sad for Michelle and her family", but that "she had gone through a comprehensive and exhaustive appeal."

International swimmer and probable Sydney Olympic candidate Nick O'Hare said that Ireland is now the focus of attention for the wrong reasons.

"Now the finger is pointed at Irish athletes and people will now have to look at it. It will have the greatest effect on young people. Those dreams they have will be shattered," he said.

"Michelle went through the appeals' process. This decision was brought by three lawyers, not one. Irish swimming has gone through a lot in the last year with the O'Rourke scandal and the Michelle scandal. It is time to put that behind us now.

"It is going to be very a hard feat for young athletes to come through and break Michelle's records. The girl won the Olympics - that's all you can say about it."

Swim Ireland, still in its infancy as an organisation, will wait to see the official report, but a spokeswoman pointed to the terrible publicity the sport was again receiving.

"I can say that we are stunned and saddened that swimming is again getting bad publicity. For such a minor sport, we have been getting a lot. Hopefully at the end of the day, it will make us a better organisation. We are bound by the ruling of FINA and Swim Ireland have to go with that," she said.

"We will have to make a statement on this issue and will have a major discussion at our next meeting.

"She has been proven guilty and it is upsetting for everyone currently involved in Irish swimming," the spokeswoman said.

The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) refused to discuss the de Bruin issue beyond stating that they had noted the findings of CAS.