Stadium vow may give us the edge

Whether or not the 11th hour intervention

Even before Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced yesterday that the Cabinet had issued a letter to UEFA confirming that Stadium Ireland would be built in time for the contest, the joint bid appeared to be in a healthy state.

Today in Geneva the crucial decision will be made as to which bid is successful, and there is a strong possibility, at this stage, that Ireland will be co-hosting the prestigious and potential valuable soccer extravaganza.

Obviously, it would have been better had there not been so much doubt and confusion as to the availability of stadiums here, but the guarantee from the Government in relation to the Stadium Ireland could be a critical factor.

Whatever the Government has to do to deliver on that promise must be given widespread support, despite the controversy surrounding the development of the stadium. Government intervention in matters of a sporting nature are not normally to be encouraged but in this case such a move could be in the national interests, at least economically.

Should the country be part of a successful bid to host the European Championships, the resultant incursion of soccer fans for the duration of the contest would prove a welcome boost to the economy.

It is important, too, that it be seen internationally that the country is able and willing to be part of the organisation of such a prestigious event.