Funding plan has potential

THE novel suggestion to build the controversial national stadium with the help of money invested in Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) warrants serious consideration.

Currently being examined by strapped Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy, the idea of drawing down money which is already there is not as far-fetched as it might seem.

Doubtless, the vast majority of Irish soccer and rugby fans want a stadium, not merely to showcase internationals, but also to generate revenue to energise and promote the sports.

Leaving political considerations aside, the question is valid. And no better minister than Charlie McCreevy to come up with an imaginative way of getting his hands on the money.

Only 4% of the SSIA savings would be needed to fund the project. As the investment would be copper-fastened by Government, it seems a safe proposal .

With the added attraction of preferential tickets for investors, you can be sure there would be a lot of people in this sports-mad nation of ours willing to consider investing in a stadium venture.