Call for Byrne to be replaced as head of RSA

A MEDICAL doctor and former junior minister has called for Gay Byrne to be replaced as the chairman of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Speaking at this week's meeting of Cashel Town Council, Fianna Fáil councillor Dr Seán McCarthy said that young people did not identify with the retired broadcaster, who became a national figure as host of the Late Late Show between 1962 and 1999.

Many young drivers had never heard of Gay Byrne, and as far as they were concerned he was "an antique from the past", said Dr McCarthy.

Instead he suggested that the RSA chairman should be someone whom young drivers could better identify with, such as a musical or sporting icon.

It could be someone who had won an All-Ireland hurling or football medal, a Premiership soccer player or a rugby star who had won European Cup or Triple Crown honours, he said.

"I have nothing against Gay Byrne personally - he was very very good in the past, but he is not in any way identifiable amongst young people," said Dr McCarthy last night.

"Many young people haven't even heard of him."

Dr McCarthy made his remarks in the wake of a series of road traffic incidents last weekend which left eight people dead.

On average, one person has died each day in incidents on Ireland's roads in the first 63 days of this year.

Dr McCarthy said that deaths arising from traffic incidents would never be fully eliminated, but as a society we needed to inculcate a new culture of safety on our roads.

He referred to an educational programme organised by gardaí in schools, and if possible this should be reinforced and supplemented, he said.

Dr McCarthy also spoke of the importance of enforcing laws governing alcohol use and speeding by motorists.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times