Menton remains positive on bid

Ireland and Scotland¿s bid to host the 2008 European Championships is still firmly on track according to FAI General Secretary Brendan Menton.

Mr Menton, speaking at this afternoon's press conference with delegates from the UEFA investigation committee, made it clear that though the UEFA representatives appeared happy with what they had seen today but there was "nothing new" to report on the issue of stadia.

He referred to the day spent with the UEFA committee as "very positive for the FAI" and reminded those doubting the deal that "final clarity on the issues is not required until mid-December."

UEFA clarified this, citing December 11th as the deadline for final proposals from each potential host.

Despite the tight time frame with which to work, Mr Menton remained positive that the bid would be a strong one and pointed to the inadequacies of the other bids as proof of Ireland and Scotland's credibility within the process.

"We're not the only bidding country with these kind of problems," claimed Menton.

"My understanding is that there are other bids where stadia have to be developed with private sector funding. My understanding is that at least one stadium is subject to a local referendum on the issue."

"It's a matter of being the most convincing bid on December 13th," he added.

His confidence would, however, appear a little unfounded as he admitted there had been no reassurance from the Taoiseach as to whether there would be a 'Plan B' for Stadium Ireland by that deadline. He also refused to be drawn on the identity of the private party mooted to be interested in the site.

But it later emerged that Mr Noel Smyth, chairman of one the country's biggest property developers, Dunloe Ewart, was the interested backer.

Mr Smyth told RTE news that he viewed the FAI and the IRFU as the anchor tenants in any devlopment but that concert would also needed to make the project viable.

He said a consortium, rather than a single investor would be required but that he intended to respond to the recent Government adverts seeking expressions of interest in building the stadium.

Meanwhile, Mr Menton did not rule out the possibility of contact between the FAI and GAA, but said that it was unlikely at this point in time.

"Not at this stage, we haven't considered that," said the FAI General Secretary, "I think if there is a role for us to play we'll certainly play it."

"We accept that Croke Park is a GAA facility and is owned operated and controlled by them. They have to make their own decision.