France changes rules on hauliers

FRANCE will no longer require proof of a negative coronavirus test from hauliers travelling directly from Ireland.

The government cited very low positivity rates among commercial vehicle drivers.

Irish traders are increasingly shipping goods directly to and from European ports, rather than the once-speedier route via the so-called UK landbridge, as a result of red tape and delays after Brexit.

The Irish transport ministry said the French government had informed it of the decision.

Proof of a negative test will still be required for drivers travelling from Britain to France or the Netherlands, meaning it will be needed by any Irish hauliers entering either country via Britain.

GORDON Elliott can have no complaints over being slapped with a six-month ban and a €15,000 fine by Irish racing chiefs.

The nauseating image of the grinning 43-year-old on a dead horse rightly sparked outrage and shock.

The actions of Elliott sullied the Irish racing industry in the lead up to the Cheltenham Festival.

The Meath trainer brought the sport into disrepute and lessons must be learned after this controversy.

Amateur jockey Rob James also apologised this week after footage emerged of him climbing on to a dead horse.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board had no choice but to send out a strong message that Elliott’s behaviour was unacceptable and a ban and the fine go some way to achieving that.

Elliott has issued several apologies for his actions but the serious nature of what he did caused offence and hurt to a lot of people in Ireland, the UK and around the world.

He employs around 80 people and most will feel a lot of sympathy for those workers and everybody in the racing industry who has been impacted by this scandal.

The majority of trainers, jockeys and owners treat their horses remarkably well and that should be remembered. Hopefully there will never be a repeat of this sorry saga.