Eddie always tried to keep the politics in Ireland away from the racing his fans in the south appreciated that and still do. Irvine is an inspiration for what you can achieve with self belief even if there are more talented people out there if you work hard you can make it.
Eddie Irvine was never a great driver. He was a very very lucky average F1 driver. When Schumacher was injured and Mika Salo had to replace him, Mika Salo easily out drove Irvine!