APIA (Samoa Observer / Pacific Media Watch): Regarding a TV3 Campbell Live segment on the Manu Samoa World Cup finances on Sunday night, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has congratulated host John Campbell on taking a keen interest in Samoan rugby.
“Samoan rugby must be very important to John that he travelled all the way to Samoa to interview the management of the Samoa Rugby Union," he said.
“As chairman of the SRU, I’m surprised he did not pay my office a visit. I’m always happy to accommodate my good friend John who appears to be a rejuvenated tv star in New Zealand these days.”
Report should by ready 'soon'
On the issue of World Cup finances raised by Campbell, the Prime Minister said the SRU accounts are always subject to annual audits and the process is already in place for the auditing of the just-completed World Cup expenditure.
“It should be ready for public scrutiny soon, according to our SRU accountant.
"But in saying that, I hope John also applies the same drive to get to the bottom of the All Blacks' World Cup finances as he does for Manu Samoa.
“Perhaps he should also go knock on the NZRU (New Zealand Rugby Footbal Union) doors and demand a full audit of the All Blacks' finances at the World Cup. He should also do the same with the Wallabies and the English team.”
The Prime Minister said that while attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland last month he met some Wallabies and All Blacks who were staying at either the Grande Sky City Hotel or the posh Heritage Hotel in central Auckland.
'Couldn't afford' luxury hotel
“Even the Pacific Island leaders could not afford to stay at these luxury hotels. I sincerely hope Mr Campbell adopts the same zest in pursuing the All Blacks' hotel bills as he does with the modest accommodation the Manu Samoa stayed at, both here in Samoa and New Zealand.”
Manu Samoa was based at the unassuming Quality Inn in Grey Lynn.
The Prime Minister thanked Campbell for the sausage sizzle he organized to raise funds for the Manu Samoa.
“It was very kind of John. But it has been six weeks since his televised sausage barbecue and we are still waiting for those funds he raised to turn up here. I’m sure those funds will come with an audited report of who donated to his street barbecue."
The Prime Minister said he would’ve treated Campbell to lunch if he knew he was in town.
“I would have shouted him at my favourite fish and chips place Amanaki. I would have also told John that whatever happened in the past has been forgiven.”
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