A top-level party committee has recommended the change, to the first line of 'Amhran Na bhFiann', in order to "best reflect the needs of the changing Ireland".

Under the plan, the line "Sinne Fianna Fail, ata faoi gheall ag Eireann" will change to "Sinne Fine Gael, ata faoi gheall ag Eireann".

The Fine Gael committee, chaired by Mayo councillor Tadhg O'Gormleine, argues that the use of the phrase 'Fianna Fail' in the opening line of the anthem "confers an unfair party political advantage" on its main opponents.

"Basically since the foundation of the state, every crowd at a sporting event, every group attending a wedding, every child learning the anthem in school is singing the name of the biggest political party, " O'Gormleine told the Sunday Tribune.

"It's no coincidence that Fianna Fail has been in power for most of that time. You wouldn't get it in Zimbabwe."

The committee was set up in the wake of the recent IrelandEngland rugby match in Croke Park at which the national anthem received one of its most passionate renditions .

"It was clear to me after that game that there is a new mood of national pride in the country which has been facilitated by the sporting bodies putting their traditional differences aside, " O'Gormleine said.

"Fine Gael simply can't stand idly by and allow that pride to be associated only with Fianna Fail. It's only a small change to the anthem, but we feel that it will redress decades of unfairness."

Changing the words of the anthem was one of two options considered by FG. The other was to abolish it entirely and hold a "You're A Star" type competition to find a new one.

"However, RTE would have used that as an opportunity to raise money through expensive premium rate phonelines, " O'Gormleine said.

"Fine Gael can't be seen to condone such a glaring example of Rip-off Ireland."

If Fine Gael is elected in the forthcoming election, it will move immediately to change the anthem with a view to having it sung at all events after 1 April 2008.