PETER SIRETT has said that the media attention and pressure on the internet will not help Andy Priaulx’s cause as the three-time world touring car champion was overlooked in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. The Culture and Leisure minister was disappointed that the Guernsey racing star was not honoured but stated that there is a royal protocol to be followed.

The process sees any nominations for islanders forwarded by Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon to the UK Ministry of Justice.

Then, after a further vetting process, the ministry submits its list of priority candidates for No. 10 Downing Street to endorse.

The issue has seen the media and certain websites calling for Priaulx to be honoured.

‘For people wanting to see Andy honoured, the way to do it is to write to the Bailiff’s Office saying why he should be awarded and it will go from there,’ said Sirett.

Fellow deputy Mike O’Hara agreed with Sirett’s sentiments regarding websites criticising the decision.

O’Hara was the main instigator of having one of Priaulx’s spare BMW racing cars at Guernsey airport for when the driver returned home with the title.

‘I’m a big supporter and I just hope that in due course he does get recognised,’ he said.

‘At the end of the day, these things tend to take time. There’s nothing you can do about it.

‘We all want him to get recognised and I’m sure that in time he will be. I know there was a huge amount of support but sometimes that doesn’t work to get that sort of honour.

‘The main thing is that next year everyone in Guernsey is supportive of him.’

O’Hara was one of the 20 or so Guernsey fans of Priaulx who travelled to the Far Eastern city of Macau in November to watch the Sarnian retain his crown.

‘It was absolutely amazing and I take my hat off to him,’ he said.

‘He’s going for a fourth. I wish him all the best.

‘He had a particularly difficult time this year but he got there through determination.’

The kart captain of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club, Dave Corson, admitted that it was disappointing that Priaulx was not on the list.

‘I think it’s a great shame that he’s been overlooked,’ said Corson.

‘He’s won three world titles and that may never happen again. I have known in the sporting world people getting recognised for lesser achievements.

‘It’s disappointing but he’ll have to go out there and win another one.’

Priaulx started his career in karting and Corson says he is an inspiration to all the young karters in the island.

‘Everyone talks about him,’ said Corson.

‘Even my five-year-old grandson relates to Andy Priaulx and his car from Guernsey. I think he’s done a lot for motorsport and for Guernsey.

‘He’s someone that all the young lads can aspire to be.’