Brendan Menton, the chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, is to seek an urgent meeting with the Government regarding the growing uncertainty over Stadium Ireland.

At the Fianna Fβil Ardfheis at the weekend, Taoiseach Bertie Aherne hinted that the building of the stadium at Abbotstown might be delayed due to financial cuts as the economy continues its downturn.

The Minister for Tourism and Sport, Dr McDaid, said the Government remained committed to the idea of a national stadium, but added that it would almost certainly be "put on the long finger" as the Government reassesses it finances in the light of the new budgetary situation.

Menton, then the FAI's treasurer, was the main voice within the association urging it to go with the Government on its plans for a national stadium as the Eircom Park plan finally crashed last March.

And while Menton stressed the financial deal - worth an additional £9 million per annum over 13 years to Merrion Square, thrashed out between the Government and the FAI as part of the association rowing in with them as an anchor tenant - would not be affected by the stadium being built or not, he wants assurances that the project will go ahead.

"I knew it had fallen behind schedule because of the overview report," said Menton. "But there is an absolute need for a second, modern stadium in Dublin. It's needed now. Lansdowne Road is just not adequate, not just for us, but for rugby as well.

"We will have a massive demand for tickets next week for the World Cup play-off game and it's crazy that we can operate under the current capacity. No matter which way you look at it, there is an absolute need for a new stadium."

Stadium Ireland was due for completion by 2005 and that now looks unlikely. "Going back to what we agreed with the Government last March, we will be seeking an urgent meeting with them to seek assurances as to when it will be ready," said Menton.

"It was to be ready by 2005, but the overview is that it's delayed for six to nine months. But we will seek an absolute commitment from the Government that it will be built.

"It's funny that this has now become a political story and not a sports story. All the coverage is coming through from political journalists. I'd raise the question, why is sport always the number one target?," added Menton, who nonetheless remains confident the project will not be scrapped. "I have no doubt that the stadium will be built, the question is when."