Sir, - It was easy to see from Sean Kilfeather's Fifth Column (The Irish Times, November 1st) that he has no interest in Formula One and that is entirely a matter for him. However, it is most regrettable that he should associate one of the most exciting sports in the world with the tragic situation currently prevailing on our roads. Indeed, if one was to follow Mr Kilfeather's reasoning, one would have to say that the sport of boxing is responsible for the fact that there is an increase in violent crime in Ireland today.
As for the absurd suggestion that spectators endanger their lives by attending motor racing events, I am completely at a loss as to how Mr Kilfeather came to this conclusion. And, it is simply not acceptable that the death of a spectator at a soccer match should in some way be seen as less tragic because it is brought about by crowd violence rather than by some unforeseen incident on the field of play.
It is also disappointing that Mr Kilfeather should think so little of the efforts of an Irish team (Jordan) competing abroad with an Irish licence and associated with Ireland by all other countries (but not by Mr Kilfeather). - Yours, etc.,
From Alex Sinclair
Executive Manager, RIAC Motor Sport Department, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.