Lance Armstrong’s support for an Irish charity was the big topic of debate on Liveline today

When Joe Duffy calls for a 10-minute text poll, you know it is a hot topic

Radio 1's Liveline isn't usually on our listening schedule but when we heard they were debating Lance Armstrong we simply had to tune in. The issue up for debate was launched by Barry Rice, founder of a charity cycle for Ataxia Ireland. Last month Barry contacted Lance on Twitter for support. The Texan replied:

@CycleAtaxia sure thing. Hit up @LAontheRoad and he can arrange — Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) January 15, 2015

Now, Lance has furnished the picture and Barry contacted Liveline to see if he should use it. Liveline tweeted the pic and there is no doubt that the tweet has gotten a lot of attention for the charity.

You decide - will the support of Lance Armstrong help Barry's charity #CycleAtaxia or hinder it? @talktojoe1850 pic.twitter.com/e7Ykf7l7Cg — Liveline (@Liveline_RTE) February 18, 2015

However, the debate over whether Barry should use the pic to drum up more donations was heated. All strands of the Lance debate, from arch defenders to those who are dismayed at how he wrecked the sport of cycling, were covered and they even ran a ten-minute text poll on whether the picture should be used. The poll results, of 1513 votes, came back with 22.5 per cent to use it and 77.5 per cent not to use the picture. Of course the poll is unscientific, but it is still hair raising to hear so much support for Armstrong among Irish people, even if it is ultimately for a great cause. Anyway, we'll keep an eye on @cycleataxia to see how it plays out.