I believe you're ultimately about pay-for-play but any mention of pay-for-play will not be tolerated in my presidency."

Brennan also served warning to the IRFU and the FAI that if planning permission for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road was not granted in the next 18 months, the GAA would have to review the organisation's controversial amendment to Rule 42.

However, it was Brennan's staunch stance on pay-for-play that provoked the only spontaneous round of applause.

While introducing a series of player-welfare measures, such as a 1m per year hardship fund and an expanded medical committee, Brennan made it clear his reforms would only go so far.

Since the GPA was launched the notion of pay-forplay has been on their agenda.

Despite recent comments from some of their officials, I am of the view that this remains the ultimate aim of the GPA in some form or other. Our Association was fostered, nurtured and developed on the basis of its amateur status. Its future survival cannot be assured unless this core aspect of our charter is maintained. Pay-for-play of any kind will not be entertained or even discussed by me during the next three years and I know that the vast majority of our stakeholders agree with this view, " Brennan declared.

Brennan further warmed himself to Ulster delegates with his comments on Rule 42. Right now our contract with the other two sporting bodies is only for 2007. I will expect to see clear tangible evidence that the planning permission is making progress. The decision to set aside Rule 42 during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road was on the understanding that planning permission would be secured at some stage in 2006."