A study of the political changes associated with the hosting of an international cross-border sporting event - case study WRC rally Ireland 2007

Abstract

This is a study which examines the challenges in securing support for hosting an international sporting event across two separate but contiguous jurisdictions in a post conflict situation. It is the author’s intention to examine this under researched area using the Rally Ireland World Rally Championship event in 2007, hosted jointly by the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as a case study.

Rally Ireland was the biggest sporting event ever hosted on the island and remains one of the few genuine international events ever to be held in Ireland. Its impact on both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was both significant and unprecedented. According to research published by the University of Ulster (see ‘An Economic Impact Study of Round 15 of the World Rally Championship 2007’) the event generated at least €39.1m in revenue and was attended by between 100-150k spectators. In relative terms its impact was remarkable within the region west of the Bann in Northern Ireland and across the North-West of the Republic of Ireland. Historically both regions had suffered generations of regional neglect in terms of national investment and significant depopulation as a consequence.

There is a gap in existing academic research relevant to Rally Ireland and the hosting of global sporting events by neighbouring countries, particularly those with legacy cultural differences and conflict like Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In addition, the author has been unable to find any specific research which addresses the field of procurement of political and financial support for the multi-jurisdictional hosting of international sporting events comparable to the unique circumstances which existed between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Rally Ireland project was widely regarded as being implicitly political in nature, with its initial adopted slogan of ‘Hands across the divide’ and unique timing, coinciding, as it did, with evidence of unprecedented cooperation between the governments of Northern Ireland in Belfast, Whitehall, and Dublin.

The author’s unique background and positioning as a former CEO of Sligo Chamber of Commerce but more particularly as a member of the Oireachtas (Irish Houses of Parliament) for over 20 years provided ease of access to secure the agreement and participation of the key stake holders of the day in Government in both jurisdictions, event promoters and state agencies.

The study supports 3 main conclusions. In undertaking to host a global sporting event in both jurisdictions it is crucial that political champions of equal senior standing in both states are secured to ensure optimum success. Given the legacy issues which existed in both communities in Northern Ireland and with the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland historically the concept of cultural brokerage and a shared ownership model is vital to success and cannot be overstated. Communication and the need to ensure that all decision making is founded on broad and fully inclusive consultation. Finally, the need for both jurisdictions to agree on a single paymaster can eliminate many difficulties experienced by the Rally Ireland team.

It is the belief of the author that this study will assist in future scholarly undertakings, further academic research in the area and in guiding others who may seek to host international sporting events in two jurisdictions.

Date of Award	May 2023
Original language	English
Supervisor	David Hassan (Supervisor) & Paul Kitchin (Supervisor)