Sir, - Jean Marie Leblanc announced (October 23rd) that the prologue to the 1998 Tour de France will finish in Dublin's O'Connell Street - "the Champs Elysees of Dublin." Ah, indeed. Once maybe. Now?
The cyclists will finish on the street where no-one lives; where the pavements are lined with golden chicken nuggets; where the King/Super/Wonder burger reigns; where les druggies will cheer the riders on from the convenience of la floosie dans le Jacuzzi; and from where they will no doubt be showered with a confetti of fries . I hope, as they hurtle down the Neon Canyon, acclaimed by the rattle of aluminium shutters, someone will warn them to be careful about where they park their bikes!
Champs Elysees - Mon derriere! - Yours, etc.,
Bray, Co Wicklow.