Sir, - As an avid cycling fan, I was angered by the recent comments on the Tour de France by the Minister for Sport, Dr McDaid. In stating that he would have grave reservations in bringing the Tour back to Ireland, the Minister is, I feel, guilty of a kneejerk reaction to the sport's current doping scandals and he gives the impression that the event itself is at fault, rather than individual teams or riders. Would Mr McDaid turn down the chance of hosting the Olympic Games, for example, because athletes in various sports in recent Olympiads have tested for illegal substances?
I was further incensed by his reaction to Michelle De Bruin's suspension from competition, imposed by FINA. Dr McDaid expressed his sympathy for the swimmer, and stated that he hoped she could prove her innocence. While his support of an Irish athlete is commendable, I am appalled at his apparent double standards on the issue of doping and alleged doping in sports. Why should a French event be treated differently to an Irish individual when the same issue is involved? I would have hoped that Dr McDaid show more objectivity in his role as Minister. - Is mise, Barry Murphy,
Elm Mount Park,
Beaumont,
Dublin 9.