Government hypocrisy must cease

THE flame of the Special Olympics was extinguished yesterday but, in the hearts and minds of the Irish people, it will burn brightly for many years to come.

Few events have gripped the public imagination so vividly as this enriching experience shared by the entire nation in an extraordinary outpouring of courage, joy, skill and compassion.

Athletes, who are categorised by society as abnormal because they have learning disabilities, demonstrated again and again they have far greater abilities than some who see themselves as smarter or more able-bodied.