Statement by TUV deputy leader Court Councillor Ron McDowell:
“Today’s news which leaves the British Isles as the only ones standing in the race to host Euro 2028 should be news welcomed by all football fans. With matches planned for Northern Ireland the local game, which is very much the poor relation when compared with the money brought in by clubs in England and Scotland, should be on the receiving end of a massive dividend. Sadly, the people who will benefit the most are the GAA with the Secretary of State already on record as saying that regardless of what it takes to redevelop Casement Park – an ill conceived project from the outset opposed by locals and characterised by runaway costs – the money will be found.
“Regardless of what happens next week it is important that Casement receives not a penny more of public money to what is already committed. The cost of the project to the public purse is already causing huge resentment across Northern Ireland and the prospect of hosting a major sporting event should not be soured by the knowledge that yet more public money will go towards a sport which is by its very rules is aligned with one side of the community.”