The cost to Ireland for staging the 2005 Ryder Cup will be in the region of £10 million - half from the government and the other half from the host club. And despite their obvious disadvantage as a members' club, Portmarnock refuse to consider themselves out of the reckoning.

"With the approval of our members, we would be prepared to seek sponsorship for the necessary money," said Portmarnock honorary secretary, Moss Buckley, last night. "As the country's premier club, we believe it is incumbent on us to do so."

Buckley, who is convinced that Portmarnock would be more than capable of staging the world's biggest golf event, went on: "We have already made soundings on the matter but when Ireland's position is finalised next week, we will set about making a formal application."

This move throws new light on an event which seemed destined to go to a major proprietary club such as the K Club or Mount Juliet. Indeed 12 months ago, Tim Mahony, the owner of Mount Juliet, told me he was prepared to spend £5 million, if necessary, on bringing the Ryder Cup to his course.

In a terse statement yesterday, Ken Schofield, executive director of the PGA European Tour, said: "We welcome and are delighted by the announcement of the Irish Government that the 2005 match will be played in Ireland." Insofar as the 2005 staging is their responsibility, the European Tour would be the main beneficiaries of payments from here.

There were also ringing endorsements from leading player Colin Montgomerie, winner of the Murphy's Irish Open for the last two years said: "Not before time. Ireland should have had the Ryder Cup before now."

The K Club has staged the Smurfit European Open for the last three years, while Mount Juliet was the home for the Irish Open from 1993-95. The most popular choice, though, would be Portmarnock, which staged the inaugural Irish Open in 1927, the year the Ryder Cup was launched.

Meanwhile, a political row was brewing following the statement of former Minister for Sport, Bernard Allen TD, yesterday. Allen congratulated Hugh McKeown and his Ryder Cup Committee for their achievement in getting the cup to this country.

"Because of their efforts, agreement was reached in Stuggart last June that Ireland would be the venue with an announcement to be made in Valderrama this September," said Allen.

"The committee was subsequently sacked by Minister Jim McDaid and, at that time, Minister McDaid rubbished the concept of a September announcement.

"He was obviously clearing all the serious players off the field so he could grab the glory himself."