All-island tie great event:
SPORTS Minister Deirdre Hargey would welcome a Euro 2020 play-off final showdown between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park and would appeal to people to see it as a sporting event rather than anything else.
The Sinn Fein politician added that she would hope to be there if the all-island clash takes place later this month and would support the Republic.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Hargey added that whether it is that match or not, she wants to attend a Northern Ireland international at Windsor Park in the future, revealing that she would “show respect” for the national anthem, God Save The Queen.
For a Northern Ireland versus Republic of Ireland play-off final on March 31 to happen, Michael O’Neill’s side will have to win their semi in Bosnia five days earlier, while Mick McCarthy’s men need to triumph in Slovakia.
Given the volatile nature of past meetings between North and South, there are concerns relating to security and rivalry spilling over between fans, especially with so much at stake, but the former Mayor of Belfast doesn’t see it that way.
Asked if the fixture could be more trouble than it is worth, Hargey said: “No. I think first and foremost it is sport so it is about bringing people together through the power of sport.
“I would attend that game if the invite was there, and if the game happened I think people have to see it as sport. People will have their own teams and that’s fair enough.
“Really we would be going there to watch a good game of football. I’m sure the majority of fans would, and may the best team win.”
Quizzed on who she would support, the Sports Minister declared: “I am an Ireland supporter but obviously in recent years in terms of what Northern Ireland have done in the Euros and the atmosphere surrounding the team, they are a good side and you would wave them on.
“Ireland are my own team and that’s who I would support, but may the best team win.”
Hargey admitted she would prefer an all-Ireland team, as is the case in rugby and hockey, but added: “That’s not for me to decide. That has to be for the players and two Associations (IFA and FAI) in terms of the sport.”
While previously a visitor to Windsor Park for IFA presentations, Hargey (right) has never attended a Northern Ireland international at the stadium.
When Caral Ni Chuilin was the last Sinn Fein Sports Minister, she told the Belfast Telegraph in an interview shortly after being appointed that she would go to see Northern Ireland at Windsor Park but would not be there when the British national anthem was played.
In 2011, Ni Chuilin attended a match against the Faroe Islands, arriving after God Save The Queen had been played. She would go to Windsor Park on several further occasions in her time as