London’s success benefits Ireland

LONDON’S successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games will have enormous benefits for Ireland, according to leading sport and political figures in this country.

The English capital yesterday won a two-way fight with Paris by 54 votes to 50 at the International Olympic Council meeting in Singapore, after bids from Moscow, New York and Madrid were eliminated.

Officials north and south of the border expect to reap rewards, in sporting, fiscal and tourism terms, following the announcement.

Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey, an IOC member and Secretary-General of the European Olympic Council, was amongst the voters. He welcomed the decision, adding: "There will be hugh spin-offs for Ireland in terms of teams coming to train and acclimatise here and in terms of tourism."

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern offered congratulations and also expressed hope that Ireland will play a role in ensuring a successful games.

"It is great news, not just for London, but for the rest of the country, and as near neighbours we in Ireland share in the celebration," he said. "Ireland and the UK both have a great passion for sport, and indeed Irish people have a special interest in sporting matters across the water."

Mr Ahern offered his assurances that any assistance required would be forthcoming.

"Ireland can contribute enormously to the success of the London Games through the availability here of excellent competition and training facilities not just for our own athletes, but also for competitors from countries throughout the world in the build-up to 2012."

Those sentiments were shared by Irish Sports Council chief, John Treacy and Sports Minister John O'Donoghue.

Mr Treacy, an Olympic silver medallist at the Los Angeles Games in 1984 described London's success as "great news for Ireland."

"Competing in London will be as close as Irish athletes will ever get to competing at home. They will be competing in the same culture, the same environment, without concerns over climate, diet or the like. And that is hugely important.

"Take for example the Beijing Games in 2008 our competitors will have to go out weeks in advance to overcome jet lag, become acclimatised and settled. With the games in London, our competitors will be able to stay at home and train with their coaches up until the very last minute. It is hugh help and a huge motivation."

And will it increase hopes of podium placings? "It is too soon to be talking about medals," Mr Treacy said, "but it is of huge benefit to our Olympians in 2012.

"There will also be massive potential to showcase Ireland as a venue for sports science and training with our top class third level institutes along with our wonderful natural resources which will be of benefit to those competing in equestrian and sailing events."