Labour: Sports bodies 'prostituting' Lansdowne name

The Labour Party tonight accused the IRFU and FAI of prostituting the name of the new Lansdowne Road as a revenue raising exercise for its redevelopment.

Ruairí Quinn, Dublin south-east TD, said: “Lansdowne Road is our national stadium, it is the oldest international rugby stadium in the world and it deserves to preserve its famous name which is recognised all over the world. To sell out the name would greatly disrespect the heroes of Irish sport who represented our nation with great pride in such a famous venue.

“Local residents, Dubliners, and all of Ireland were delighted when the Government opted to redevelop the old ground rather than construct a new stadium in the middle of nowhere.

“This preserved the Lansdowne Road name and the unique atmosphere and identity the venue inspires.

“Changing the name would not be in spirit with the welcome construction of the new stadium,” he said.