GAA could save Euro bid
The Minister believes that positive indications from the GAA hierarchy on the usage of Croke Park for Euro 2008, could sway UEFA to accept the joint Irish/Scottish bid at their decisive meeting on December 12.
The Minister, accepted that any such decision on the use of Croke Park by an outside sport must be ratified by Congress. However, he stressed that any form of positive reaction for the GAA could prove invaluable in landing the tournament.
"It is a matter for Congress to decide whether the facility at Croke Park is going to be made available for games during the European Championships in 2008 if the Scottish/Irish bid is successful. In that regard, it really would be very helpful if the GAA management would indicate that they were prepared to make a positive recommendation to Congress, it would be helpful if the GAA authorities were to do that," the Minister said while on an official visit to the National Aquatic Centre yesterday
"The Taoiseach has written to the GAA requesting them to make Croke Park available for the European Championships in 2008. I want to make it clear that we are not asking the GAA to open the ground for cricket, rugby or soccer or in general terms. All we're asking is that the facility be made available for the European Championships in 2008," the Minister added.
"This would be a major event for this country. I would be extremely pleased if the management of the GAA were to say at this point 'look, we are in a position to say we will make the recommendation to Congress. I think that will be enormously helpful in the context of UEFA' meeting on December 12 when UEFA is going to make a decision as to where the games are going to be played in 2008.
"The truth is that time is beginning to run out. We have a very strong bid, I believe the strongest before UEFA at this point in time. Other bids, including our main competitor Austria and Switzerland, have their own problems which are much greater than ours. If a positive indication were forthcoming from the management of the GAA in this point in time it would be an enormous boost to our bid and we have always made it clear that there were no preconditions."
However, the GAA issued a statement in response to the letter from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, where it reiterated that the matter of the use of Croke Park by outside sport, is one for Congress.
Despite the availability of Croke Park remaining clouded in uncertainty, confidence is high amongst the Scottish/Ireland bid team for Euro 2008, especially across the Irish Sea. The announcement that twenty-three official expressions of interest have been shown by private investors in the proposed new Stadium Ireland development has been warmly welcomed. Lord Watson, Scotland's minister for tourism, culture and sport considers it to be a positive development.
The Scottish/Irish 2008 Bid Director John Henderson, shares such confidence, and remains unconcerned about the Stadium Ireland and Croke Park. He considers the bid process to be now, a three horse race.
"I am very confident at the moment. We have a strong bid. All the ingredients are there and I think that it may come down to a decision between ourselves, the Swiss/Austrians and the Nordic Bid.
"Our position (relating to Ireland) has not changed, we have guaranteed two stadiums and we have three options and I think that we are in a strong position to deliver that in Ireland. In Scotland we have seven stadiums and we will deliver six," he said yesterday
Mr Henderson added that he was satisfied about the developments relating to Stadium Ireland. "Yes it is very good and I must say I am very encouraged that so many developers have expressed an interest. It is a very exciting prospect and the last piece in the jigsaw," he said.
On the matter of Croke Park, Mr Henderson said he understood the circumstances and would respect whatever choices are made by the GAA.
Meanwhile, politicians from both Scotland and Ireland will take to the football field later on Sunday to underline the cross-party political support that exists in both nations for the Scotland and Ireland Euro 2008 Bid.
A squad made up of MSPs and MPs including former First Minister for Scotland Henry McLeish and Tommy Sheridan MSP, will travel from Scotland to take on their colleagues from Dail Eireann in the first inter-parliamentary football match to be staged in Ireland. This unique fixture kicks off at 12:00 on Sunday 24th November at Trinity College, Dublin.
The Dail team is captained by Jimmy Deenihan, TD former All-Ireland Football captain with Kerry. The team also includes former Rugby International Jim Glennon TD alongside Minister Martin Cullen.
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