On Thursdays Morning Focus; John began by speaking to Kay Murphy, PRO of the Midwest branch of Active Retirement Ireland. The group representing older people says Government policy is likely to cause more isolation and ill-health for pensioners. Active Retirement Ireland, at its AGM in Galway, says 129 Garda Stations, more than 200 branches of banks and almost 1300 rural pubs have been closed since 2011. And it says there's a new threat – the closure of post offices in rural areas, which for many are the hubs around which communities revolve. The group is expressing concern that older people are likely to become more isolated and suffer from ill-health as local services are pared back.
Up next Bernard Purcell, Editor at The Irish World in London joined John by phone to give us the latest on the State visit of President Michael D. Higgins. Last night the President raised a glass to England winning the World Cup – because he says Ireland can't be there. In a speech at the Guildhall in London tonight, Michael D Higgins admitted such a toast from him might seem transformational. The President says the country still has to deal with elements of the economic crisis – including the issue of emigration.
David Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Retail Excellence Ireland was up next speaking to John as the mood of consumers decreased slightly in March. The latest Consumer Sentiment Index slipped to 83 point 1 in March, down from the almost seven year high of 85 point 5 posted in February. The decrease is mainly due to the end of the post-Christmas sales and a slow down in new car sales for the 141 registration plates.
The Minister for Finance is denying there's another housing bubble developing. And Michael Noonan says he is going to use NAMA to help tackle the housing shortage. He hopes that the asset management agency, working in cooperation with developers, can lead to over 20 thousand homes being built over the next five years. Kieran Harte Marketing Director at Daft.ie spoke to John about the housing situation and how it's having an impact on the people of Clare.
Returning to the state visit Brigitta Hedin-Curtin, owner of The Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna is London today having been invited by the Irish Ambassador to the UK Daniel Mulhall to take part in the celebration in the Royal Albert Hall tonight. Burren smoked Salmon will be on the menu for the VIP party tonight. Brigitta is also doing some business while in London with the hope of providing their products for stores in the UK.
World Parkinson's Awareness Week runs from April 7-13. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder, which, so far, cannot be cured. Symptoms, which include dexterity problems, stiffness, and tremor, can, however, be effectively controlled with medication for many years.
Each year hundreds of people in Ireland are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and approximately 8,000 people are currently living with Parkinson's in Ireland. More and more young people are now being diagnosed, with symptoms presenting as early as in the thirties and forties. John spoke to Billy Rice, Chairperson of the Mid West Parkinson's Association of Ireland branch. Billy is 73 years of age and was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2002. However it is estimated that he had Parkinson's roughly years before diagnosis. His physio therapist got suspicious when a "frozen shoulder" would not respond to treatment. His Parkinson's disease has had a pervasive effect on his life. However he has great support from all his family, especially his three young grandchildren. Billy can still drive so he is still self dependent for a lot of things.
Finally Frankie Gavin, Legendary Musician joined John in studio as himself and De Dannan, will perform in Glor, Ennis on Sat 12 April at 8pm. Frankie Gavin is one of the most celebrated Irish fiddle players of all time, having performed and recorded with The Rolling Stones, jazz legend Stephane Grappelli, and world -renowned violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin amongst many others. He's an original member of De Dannan, the world-famous trad group that released 14 albums over 33 years before disbanding in 2003. Frankie reformed the band in 2009 to reflect "De Dannan of the 21st century". Frankie played a tune for the listeners.
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