The Green Party and the Dublin Civic Trust have voiced their opposition to a giant Dublin GAA banner spanning the width of the Ha'penny Bridge.

The banner, which reads 'Up the Dubs, Dublin City supporting The Dubs', has been described as "tacky" by Green Party leader Eamonn Ryan, while Dublin Civic Trust, an independent charitable organisation working to recognise and protect the city's architectural heritage and civic potential, says it is "completely inappropriate". It was put up in the lead-up to the recent Allianz Football League final between Dublin and Galway, and has since been taken down.

Speaking on RTE Radio 1's Morning Ireland programme, Ryan stated: "I'm very happy the Dubs are winning and that we celebrate it but I don't think we need to do that by defacing what is one the most iconic places in Dublin. It's not very stylish for what it is an iconic piece of architecture. It doesn't need banners and I think it should be left alone.

"It's not going to damage the structure, I just don't think it looks good. Let's fly a massive flag off City Hall by all means. But the banner is a bit tacky."

On the same programme, Dublin Lord Mayor Mac Donncha pledged his support for the controversial banner.

"I'm fully supportive of the practice. It brightens up the city. They (the banner appears on both sides of the bridge) went up for the league final. It has been removed now and it did only go up for a period to wish the players well," he said.

"It's something that the citizens look forward to and celebrate. I have never heard any objections. Most citizens welcome them and they mark a great achievement."

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