Brian Eno is MORE DARK THAN SHARK

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The Daily Telegraph MARCH 19, 2009 - by Rhett Watson

NATHAN REES COPS IT FOR WANTING BRIAN ENO OVER TIGER WOODS

Premier Nathan Rees has been accused of setting his sights too low after he boasted he would rather have faded muso Brian Eno in NSW as an attraction than golfing legend Tiger Woods

Mr Eno, whose heyday as a star was way back in the 1970s when he was part of Roxy Music, is playing in Sydney for three weeks as part of the Vivid Sydney festival from May 26 to June 14.

In contrast, the Victorian Government has agreed to foot half the three million dollar bill to get Woods to play in the Australian Masters in Melbourne in November.

Mr Rees today said: "I'd much rather Brian Eno's work on display for the people of NSW for three weeks than Tiger Woods for three days.

"You can purchase these off-the-shelf arrangements and Tiger Woods probably has one of the best jobs in the world, he simply puts himself out for tender to go and play on golf courses.

"But that's a matter for the Victorians."

Opposition leader Barry O'Farrell said the Premier's comments were proof he had no idea what NSW needed to attract tourists.

"If you went out and asked people who they were more likely to cross the street to see then I think most would say Tiger Woods over Brian Eno," he said.

"Once again this is Nathan Rees setting his sights too low."

Mr O'Farrell said he was a fan of Mr Eno when he was part of Roxy Music but did not believe he was a draw-card for tourists.

"If the aim is to get people to stay in hotels so they can go and see Sydney, then it's not going to happen with Brian Eno," he said.

He also criticised Mr Rees for refusing to say how much the English musician's visit has cost taxpayers.