This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Joint Euro 2008 bid goes ahead
28/02/2002
Scotland and Ireland will be partners in a bid to host
the 2008 European Championships.
First Minister Jack McConnell today pledged that the
Scottish Executive will do all in its power to bring the
European Championships to Scotland and Ireland in six years
time.
Following the announcement by the Scottish and Irish
Football Associations officially confirming the nations'
intention to bid to host the championship, Mr
McConnell guaranteed his full political backing for the
move.
Jack McConnell said:
"I am absolutely delighted that the Irish government has
done exactly what they said they would do and come in by
today's deadline.
"We now have a joint bid and this is a very exciting
time for football. I am absolutely confident that both
sides can produce a first class bid which can produce the
best championship ever. It is a time to be positive and put
the cynicism and suspicion behind us."
Sports Minister Mike Watson was delighted by the Irish
decision to share in the prospect of bringing the best of
European football to our shores.
"This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity which
could bring immeasurable benefits to our proud sporting
nations, not only for football but for tourism, business
and national status.
"We already have a steering group established which
includes the SFA, FAI, Scottish Executive, Irish
Government, tourist boards and sports bodies. The SFA and
FAI have put together a team of advisers that includes some
of the top experts in Britain, Ireland and Europe. The
consultants include the police, transport providers,
telecommunications experts and all the other services that
you need for a first class tournament.
"We will put together the best possible case for hosting
Euro 2008 by UEFA's May 31st deadline. We do not
underestimate the strength of the competition for what is
the third biggest sporting event in the world, but the
Scots and Irish will be focussed and persuasive in their
submissions to UEFA."