Madam, - In one way Louis Walsh is right: many people are not going to be interested in who wins what in the Special Olympics. But he has missed the point entirely.
The Special Olympics are not about sporting greatness, but human greatness. The tens of thousands of people who have opened their hearts, their homes and their wallets to ensure the success of this event understand this. Their desire to contribute something positive to this enriching experience stands in sharp contrast to Walsh's cynical, snide and smug comments. It is reassuring to remember that Walsh is in a tiny and small-minded minority.
Incidentally, smugness is not a wise response to the issue of intellectual disability. There are people reading this today who, due to accident or illness, may well be contestants in Special Olympics 2007. - Yours, etc.,
SHEILA BECKETT, Corr Castle, Dublin 13.
Madam, - Let me declare an interest. My daughter is a volunteer at the forthcoming event.
I know very little about Mr Walsh. I am however of the view that editors in The Irish Times should be aware of public opinion and censor where necessary.
The comments by Mr Walsh are the most offensive, and repellent I have heard in years. Shame, I am afraid, is on both of you. Why do you entertain people like this? - Yours, etc.,
PAUL BEHAN, Howth Road, Dublin 3.