Madam, - I heartily endorse Kevin Myers's comments on the Special Olympics (An Irishman's Diary, May 27th) regarding the unfortunate decision to ban some of the athletes from travelling to Ireland for the event. It doesn't take much imagination to realise what heartbreaking disappointment this decision has caused many athletes who have practised so hard to prepare.
On the same page I read Micheál Martin's defence of his decision. Mr Martin said, very reasonably, that he had called on professional advice, and what more could he do than follow the opinion he was given? However, I'm wondering what question the good Minister asked.
The answer you get depends on the question you ask. If you say, "Should we?", the answer will almost certainly be "No". After all, life inevitably carries some risk and should anything go wrong later, the finger would be pointed at the "experts" involved. Equally, had the Minister, or any Minister, asked if there should be a ban on all visitors from affected areas, the answer would probably, also, have been "Yes". But such a decision would have serious implications for commerce and it seems that such a question is not being asked.
Given that there is traffic between Ireland and countries affected by SARS, how about asking the experts: "What safeguards can we put in place to enable these people to come?" Kevin Myers refers to protective measures that could be taken. Has this area been fully examined? Even if it took some additional organisation, and involved some extra financial investment, would it not be worth it? The Special Olympics is such a unique event of worldwide interest, and an opportunity to demonstrate our fine tradition as "Ireland of the Welcomes".
It is not too late for the Minister to take some further professional opinions and advice based on an attitude of trying to make it possible for all the athletes to attend. Would anyone step forward to help him? If the Minister could succeed in this, he would be a hero in the eyes of many, it would be great for Ireland's image in the world, and a lot of very special individuals would be overjoyed. - Yours, etc.,
SALLY PHALAN, (Psychotherapist), Waterfall Road, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.