A group of Irish football supporters protesting outside the Dáil today called on the Government to adopt Japanese time for the duration of the World Cup.
A group of about 30 of the fans, waiving placards and chanting "Olé Olé Olé" demanded that the Government change Irish clocks to Japanese time for June.
The supporters say they are "amongst a growing groundswell of opinion" that the time difference between Japan and Ireland will adversely affect Irish fans' enjoyment of the World Cup.
Speaking for the group, Mr Ruiri Keogh said the Government should "show some imagination" so that people in Ireland can fully enjoy the matches.
He said the campaign was launched by e-mail petition last Thursday and has already gathered over 3,500 signatures. He said today’s protest is the first part of a campaign that will run until the petition is handed in to Government Buildings in April.
The petition can be signed at Carlsberg-irishsoccer.com.