Secret ballot may be crucial to Croke Park vote

A SECRET ballot could make the critical difference in the GAA vote on opening up Croke Park, campaigners said last night.

GAA delegates from Ireland and overseas met in Croke Park last evening for the opening session of what could yet prove to be a landmark Congress.

Key supporters of the move to allow rugby and soccer in agreed that a secret ballot could be crucial.

Leading campaigner Tommy Kennoy from Roscommon said he envisaged that 228 delegates (more than two thirds) would vote in favour of change. But he conceded that there could be up to 10 ‘slippages’ of Central Council delegates voting contrary to their county mandates.

The voting of several units remained in doubt last night, including Gloucestershire and Australia (four each), while Mayo are said to be ‘leaning’ towards support of the motions calling for the stadium to be opened up.

“Gloucestershire are not saying, while Australia are sitting on the fence,’’ he commented.

The question of whether a secret ballot will be used could be crucial. There is certain to be strong opposition from the counties voting ‘yes’ - in favour of a show of hands - and acceptance of the management committee recommendation would be seen as a blow to their chances.

Clearly, it would facilitate people voting according to their conscience rather than the mandate of their counties, whereas a public show of hands would indicate exactly which way delegates vote.

On the issue of whether a simple majority would suffice in the event of counties supporting a temporary opening, Central Council was informed that legal advice indicated a two-thirds majority would be required either way.

It was decided that all Central Council members would be mandated to vote in favour of a secret ballot on the Rule 42 motions.

Initially, Kelly suggested it would be a matter for individual members to decide, but Cork delegate Bob Honohan took issue with this stance. On the basis that the Council had already voted (unanimously) at a previous meeting to support a recommendation from the management committee, members were obliged to support it, he said. Antrim delegate Joe O’Boyle said delegates were ‘morally bound’ to vote in favour.

lCentral Council supported the appointment of Meath solicitor Liam Keane as secretary of the proposed arbitration process which is designed to discourage members from going to the courts for legal redress.

Delegates were informed that, without prejudging the outcome of the motion to establish a tribunal, Congress was required to sanction the appointment.

Otherwise, it couldn’t be done for 12 months.