SIR Alastair Morton, who played a huge part in driving the Channel Tunnel project forward, has died. He was 66.

Sir Alastair, as chief executive, gave the Tunnel scheme a controversial edge and fought back in the face of widespread scepticism from media, public and protestors who wanted Britain to remain an island.

On the debit side, the projected number of passengers using Eurostar has been well below expectations.

Work began on the Channel Tunnel in 1987. Sir Alastair joined the project as co-chairman.

The official opening by the Queen and the then President, François Mitterrand, took place on May 6 1994. That was a proud day for Sir Alastair.

Five years ago Sir Alastair became chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, charged with overhauling the railways.

But the Government failed to give the SRA any legal powers and in 2001 Sir Alastair resigned in frustration.

IN OUR BUSINESS SECTION TREVOR STURGESS ASSESSES THE MAN AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS