The Taoiseach has added his voice to the Croke Park debate by saying it would be a shame if home international rugby and soccer matches had take place abroad during the refurbishment at Lansdowne Road.
Ahead of the GAA's vote tomorrow on temporarily opening the stadium up to other sports, Mr Ahern said it was not the intention or the role of the Government to "try to influence the membership of an independent organisation and I'm certainly not going to try to do that".
However, he asked the GAA delegates to consider the issue not only in the best interests of Gaelic games, but also in the national interest of other sports.
Mr Ahern also noted the financial assistance given towards the development of Croke Park by the Government. "We assisted here at Croke Park. We are going to assist the IRFU and the FAI in providing facilities at Lansdowne Road."