Today on Morning Focus we were joined on the line by Michael McNamara, Former Labour TD & Barrister as he confirmed his candidacy as an Independent candidate.
An election on February 7th or 14th appears to be the favoured date – although that could change. What’s certain is that the Taoiseach has a plan in mind – he told RTE yesterday that he’s decided on a date, but says ‘business needs to be done’ before he calls the election.
So far there are nine candidates declared in this constituency; three Fine Gael, three Fianna Fail, one Green Party and two Independents.
If you missed it, you can listen back below:
Next on the show, we discussed the funding gap in UHL which has caused a lack in up-to-date equipment with Pat McMahon, Leas Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD, co-signatory of motion re UHL and Cllr Roisin Garvey, Ennistymon MD Cllr and Green Party GE Candidate.
University Hospital Limerick is continuing to use diagnostic equipment years after it should have been replaced, because of a lack of funding. X-ray rooms and CT scanners are among the out-of-date equipment for which funding has been sought, but not granted. That’s according to CEO of the UL Hospitals Group, Colette Cowan who wrote to Clare County Council in response to concern from members at a ‘lack of basic diagnostic equipment’ and related delays for patients.
Following from that, staying with healthcare, we were joined in studio by Louisa Power, Chief Pharmacist at the HSE as the HSE is promoting the services that a pharmacist can provide which in turn might save you a trip to the hospital.
This includes the flu vaccine and advice on flu; medication advice; blood pressure tests, and consultation on various issues without an appointment. They say it could save you a wait in the Emergency Department and help tackle overcrowding in hospitals and doctors’ waiting rooms.
You can listen back to our interview with Louisa below:
After our News at 9am with Fiona we were joined in studio by Sgt Tríona O’ Rourke as she seeked your help in solving local crimes.
Next on the show, Mary Crawford, Chairperson of Mid-Clare Brigade Commemoration Committee joined us on-air ahead of a planning meeting taking place this Tuesday.
There was a lot of focus on commemorations in the past week, as the controversial RIC commemoration was planned – and then dropped – following an outcry from the public.
The Mid Clare Brigade Commemoration Committee are planning their events for this year, which will include the death of Martin Devitt in Inagh, the Rineen ambush and reprisals and the Moanreal ambush – among other events. The role of women will also be recognised – and the Committee are seeking input from the public ahead of their first event next month.
If you missed it, you can catch it below:
To a totally different subject next as we were joined on the line by John Lowe following the publication of his new book ‘The Money Doctor 2020’. The book is aimed at helping readers make their money go further and is full of budgeting tips for the year ahead.
Listen back below:
To wrap up today’s Morning Focus we were joined on the line by former Munster Player, Marcus Horan as Munster’s hopes of European Champions Cup progression are hanging by a thread. Johann van Graan’s side fell to a 39-22 defeat away to Racing in Paris yesterday. It leaves the southern province needing maximum points against the Ospreys next weekend, and other results to go their way.
You can listen back below:
