Tuesday 3 June 2014

Rally - The Debate



Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill spoke well in a subdued Scottish Parliament this afternoon when he made his statement on last weekend’s Jim Clark Rally. The subsequent debate by our elected representatives was also considered and respectful, and we can all be thankful for that.

Much has still to be examined and explained, but it’s now a matter of record why the rally was allowed to continue after the first accident. That was because the accident had nothing to do with driver error or the location. It was due to a mechanical failure, and the incident was treated on that basis.

However, the circumstances surrounding the second accident have still to be fully explained. All I can say now is that before anyone rushes to judgement, wait for the facts.

In his Statement Mr MacAskill listed a great many people and organisations who responded to the incidents, but failed to mention those first on the scene, the specialist motor sport volunteer paramedics and ambulances, and the doctors, who attend all motor sports events throughout the country throughout the year as part of the sport’s own medical and rescue event plans.

Neither did he mention the part played by those members of the rally organising team who first responded. That was fair enough given the ongoing Police investigation, but I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to those volunteers who give up their free time to ensure that we can have our sport.

In other words, next time they ask for donations and contributions, please give generously.

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