A DUP MLA denied in 2002 that he was trying to exploit the death of motorcycle legend Joey Dunlop for political purposes, newly declassified files have revealed.
William McCrea was responding to a motorsports draft plan when he said there was a need for a racing circuit of internationally approved standard in Northern Ireland.
Road racing hero Dunlop was killed in an accident in Estonia in 2000.
The 2&4 Wheel Motor Sport draft strategic plan was published in 2002.
In his written response to the plan, Mr McCrea, who was then the chair of the Assembly’s Environment Committee, said public interest in the issue had been “ignited” by the death of Dunlop.
But he added: “I would, however, wish to clarify the point that many political representatives have always had an earnest and long-term interest in motorsport in Northern Ireland and at no time did we seek to exploit the loss of our racing legend for political purposes as has been suggested by some quarters.”
Mr McCrea said there needed to be a “cohesive” approach to promoting all forms of motorsport.
He said: “In Joey’s death came a uniting factor for his name transcended all boundaries and no one discipline raised a single objection to having an appropriate memorial to our late hero.
“Thus, we had the lynchpin that would hopefully unlock the mechanism by which the disciplines could come together and work in tandem and appreciate each other’s interests whilst primarily and understandably recognising their own.”
Mr McCrea said motorsport competitors from Northern Ireland were felt to be at a disadvantage because of the standard of circuits in the region.
He said: “The obvious talent of our riders is undeniable, imagine what it could be if they started on an equal footing with their English rivals and had a circuit of exceptional standard on their own doorstep.
“The suggestion of a major, new circuit, of course, sparked discontent from the ranks of the road racing fraternity who saw it as a way to depose of their sport.
“Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.”
Mr McCrea said there was a need for an internationally approved circuit in Northern Ireland.
He added: “My honest opinion is that, yes, there is such a need, for motorsport has the potential to become a major attraction in Northern Ireland and the development of such a centre of excellence and the development of such a centre of excellence would permit our riders and drivers to learn their craft on a circuit that could rival the best in Europe.
“What a boost to the economy a major international car racing event or motorcycle grand prix would be.”
Mr McCrea said he believed Nutts Corner in Co Antrim was the best site for the circuit.
But he added: “Future development of the sport will be no easy task and the workload presented will be no modest one.
“Although I welcome the publication of the draft strategic plan I would caution that if the plan is not agreed and implemented then it will result in another paper wasting exercise gathering dust in the corner of someone’s office.
