The Football Association of Ireland (FAI), which governs the Republic of Ireland international team, needs to “build trust” before the Northern Irish football authorities can contemplate taking part in any game featuring an all-Ireland team, according to NI Conservatives’ co-chair and former Irish rugby international, Trevor Ringland.
“Over the weekend Enda Kenny, the Republic’s prime minister, suggested an annual ‘charity match’ between an all-Ireland side and England, with Peter Robinson endorsing the idea”, Trevor explained. “Unfortunately, given the issues around eligibility and the FAI’s systematic campaign to recruit Northern Irish players for the Republic team, a lot of trust has to be rebuilt before we can get to that point. The Irish FA and Northern Ireland supporters would, quite understandably, be suspicious of the southern organisation’s motives and the possible consequences for the future of our national football team.”
“The FAI has done a great deal of damage to relationships between the associations on this island over the past number of years. It has also, whether intentionally or simply recklessly, contributed to the potential sectarian segregation of football in Northern Ireland. Enda Kenny’s call for matches featuring an all-Ireland team ignores all that recent history.”
“There is obviously a great deal of work to do to build trust on the FAI’s part. The comments of the new Republic manager and former Northern Ireland captain, Martin O’Neill, to the effect that he will not target players from the IFA set-up are welcome. However his attitude has to be shared by the whole southern association and by the youth coaches who have been recruiting Northern Ireland players, if it is to be effective. If a change in outlook were to come about, then the IFA could consider playing a friendly match against the FAI team, as a first step towards rebuilding trust. Otherwise, for the moment, any ‘all-Ireland’ charity side is a long way off. Meanwhile the Irish FA and the supporters can continue their sterling work to offer Football for All, ensuring that every young player is welcomed and supported by the fans.”