Croke Park uncertainty 'not helping Euro 2008 bid'

Sports Minister John O'Donoghue has told the Dail that clarity on the use of Croke Park for soccer games would be helpful to the joint Scottish-Irish bid to host the 2008 European Championships.

UEFA is due to reveal its choice of host country next month and Mr O'Donoghue said he believes the joint bid is the best on the table.

However, he said uncertainly over the availability of Croke Park is not helpful.

"Obviously it would be of immense benefit if greater clarity could be brought to the situation in that regard," he said.

"Were the GAA to give a favourable indication in relation to the usage of Croke Park for the European Championships in 2008 it would certainly benefit the bid. There is no point in pretending otherwise."