Olympic torch tour - Opportunity for tourism

The thousands who witnessed yesterday’s tour of the Olympic torch were indicative of public interest.

It would be a mistake to regard the whole thing as a publicity stunt, because it could have real social and economic consequences.

Sport has a tremendous potential for breaking down barriers of division by promoting co-operation. The symbolism of the handing over of the torch at the border by Olympic silver medalist Wayne McCullough, a Belfast Protestant, to gold medalist Michael Carruth, a Dublin Catholic, was particularly significant. They both won their medals representing Ireland in boxing at the Games in Barcelona 20 years ago.