Sonia hoping to don Aussie singlet

ATHLETICS: Sonia O'Sullivan is investigating the possibility of representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, but insists it won't involve any switch in nationality, or alter her desire to represent Ireland.

While admitting she is eager to run for Australia on a "once-off" basis, O'Sullivan was quick to rule out a change in allegiance. There is absolutely no threat of her not running for Ireland in the future, not least of all the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Speaking yesterday from her London base, where she returned to this weekend ahead of the European cross country championships next Sunday, she said: "The only reason these thoughts came about is because the Commonwealth Games are going to be in Melbourne . . . in the Melbourne Cricket Ground. I can walk there from my house in a minute. It's less than 400 metres from where we're living.

"So it is something I have discussed with a few people, and definitely something I've thought about for a while now. And if it is a possibility, then why not? But right now it's still a long ways down the road. And to be honest it's the last thing on my mind at the moment."

The Games are restricted to the British Commonwealth, but several Republic of Ireland-qualified athletes have competed under their dual nationality status, specifically those born in Northern Ireland. Last year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester, for example, included Paul McKee and Colm McLean.

O'Sullivan's chance will depend on whether she can qualify to run for Australia by achieving dual nationality for sporting purposes or through residency. She has spent at least half of every year since 1997 in Australia. When asked if this might mean surrendering her ability to run for Ireland, she replied "absolutely not" and she planned to run the 2006 European championships.

Athletics Ireland knew nothing about her plans until yesterday. Team manager Patsy McGonigle said any such move would be entirely up to the athlete, and that they wouldn't stand in her way. But he cited Adrienne McIvor, who was prevented from running for Northern Ireland in last year's Commonwealth Games by Australia, whom she had already represented. That case, he said, appeared to suggest a tough stance in Australia against athletes switching allegiance to compete in the Games.