president Neville Tyrrell, challenger Mark Trott yesterday declined to answer a series of questions posed by The Royal Gazette prior to the election of officers at next Monday's BFA annual general meeting.

The Gazette had planned to publish both Tyrrell and Trott's answers in today's newspaper. Instead, only Tyrrell's responses appear.

Trott, who inititally was enthusiastic about taking part in the `Q and A', is understood to have made his decision following a meeting with club affiliates on Wednesday night.

Explaining that decision, Trott said: "I have ideas about the way this sport can grow in general but I would really like to first discuss them in detail with whoever is with me on the executive committee and go forward from there.

"I'd like to get input from the affiliates as well.

"I promise I will speak at length next week if I'm elected. I want people to be very clear about where we want to go and how we're going to get there.

"What I will say is this -- as regards your first question, I think I've already said publicly why I decided to run in this election.

"In respect to questions two to seven, I think it would a bit premature and presumptious of me to respond to those at this time, not being in office yet.

"And in respect to the last question. That is a must. I will have no problems dealing with the media. If I can't answer a question immediately, I'll always make an attempt to find the answer and get back to you as soon as possible.'' Questions asked of Trott were the same as those put to Tyrrell (see above).