Bertie Ahern, Believes change in the GAA is imminent
The Taoiseach has said he hopes the GAA rule which prevents its facilities being used by other sporting organisations will be changed. Speaking in Templemore, Mr Ahern said that he believed change was imminent. Earlier, the Tánaiste said that it would not be acceptable for the Government to give substantial funding to the GAA while the organisation refuses to allow other sporting bodies use its facilities. Mary Harney was speaking during a visit to Donegal.
At the GAA's annual congress at the weekend, the organisation voted to keep in place its ban on the playing of soccer and rugby at Croke Park. It was announced last Friday that the Government is to contribute a further £60m towards the re-development of the Dublin stadium. This evening, a Government spokesman said that the funding had been agreed in principle with the GAA, but that it still had to be considered by the Government.
