Two thirds needed to carry GAA vote

A TWO-THIRDS majority will be required, whether Congress votes on a temporary or permanent opening of Croke Park for rugby and soccer this afternoon.

Members of the Central Council were informed at their meeting last night that legal advice had been sought on the matter and it was to the effect that a simple majority would not suffice in the event of delegates voting for the stadium to be opened up while Lansdowne Road is redeveloped.

And Council members were mandated to support a call for a secret ballot on the Rule 42 debate.

Director-General Liam Mulvihill referred to an earlier decision of the Central Council that they would support a management committee recommendation that a secret ballot be carried out in deciding on Rule 42 motions. However, he pointed out that it would be a matter for Congress to decide whether to follow this course.

Kerry delegate Gerald McKenna said he had been amused to read in the papers that the seven counties which had submitted motions on Rule 42 would be opposing a secret ballot.

"Nobody consulted Kerry (one of the seven counties), but we will be abiding by the decision of Central Council," he commented. Asked by Cork delegate Bob Honohan if Central Council members were required to support the recommendation, president Sean Kelly said it would be up to each individual to decide for himself.

"Congress is the supreme body. All we can do is put forward a recommendation," he stated. "You can't tell people how to vote."

Honohan questioned this approach, saying: "It's hard to understand why we would recommend something and not support it ourselves."

Antrim delegate Joe O'Boyle said delegates were 'morally bound' to vote in favour of a secret ballot.

Honohan said he was prepared to put a formal proposal that they would support the recommendation, but Gerald McKenna said it was a 'sorry situation' if this had to be done.

"Are members of the Central Council not capable of following their own decision?" he asked. Later questioned by the media, he said anyone who would wish to oppose the recommendation "did not deserve to be a member of the Central Council."