Minihan restates PD opposition to 'Bertie Bowl'

Progressive Democrats chairman John Minihan has reiterated his party’s opposition to the development of a national stadium.

The PDs’ stance is already seen as a stumbling block to the prospects of another Fianna Fail-PD coalition, with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his party colleagues determined to follow through with the project.

Mr Minihan said today that the proposed stadium, with a potential price tag of €1bn, is excessive and he said the money would be better spent on health and education.

He also accepted that the issue has caused a policy rift between Fianna Fail and the PDs, who have been coalition partners for the last five years.