On Monday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Fianna Fàil Clare TD Timmy Dooley joins us in studio following the FF Ard Fheis at the RDS in Dublin last weekend. The theme was “An Ireland for All” with the party leader emphasising his view that the economic recovery has not been felt outside Dublin. Deputy Dooley has argued that the policies of his party would see the economic recovery spread throughout Ireland, if they are elected back into power in the next election. He added that more can and should be done to assist rural communities.
Fianna Fàil Councillor PJ Kelly, Doirin Graham CEO, Clare Local Development Company and Ger Dollard Chief Officer of the LCDC Clare County Council all spoke to Morning Focus regarding LEADER funding. Councillor Kelly is calling for the reversal of cuts to LEADER funding over the next five years from 16.2 million euro to 8.9 million. Our guests also addressed suggestions that the responsibility for the funds will soon change hands from the Clare Local Development Company to a new structure set up under Clare County Council – the LCDC (Local Community Development Committee). Ger Dollard, explained what this would mean.
Some 50 Irish people are believed to be affected by the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in more than 80 years. Nearly 2-thousand people have been killed in the disaster. A powerful aftershock has also been felt in Nepal, India and Bangladesh, and more avalanches were reported near Everest where 17 people are now feared dead. Many countries and charities have offered aid to deal with the disaster as rescue efforts intensify. Lillian Chan of Caritas Austrialia spoke to John live from Kathmandu on behalf of Trocaire Ireland under The Caritas Foundation. Lillian gave us an
Garda Focus with Garda Brendan Keane of Ennis Garda Station. Garda Keane was appealing for your help in solving recent local crime – including Clare Gardaí are investigating a break-in at the home of an elderly man in West Clare. A number of items were taken from the property at Ballard Road, Miltown Malbay in the incident which occured last Monday night, between 8:00 and 8:30. Information is now being sought on a man seen acting suspiciously in the area. Please contact, Ennis Garda Station on 68 48100
Tom Clohessy from Kilrush contacted Morning Focus regarding an impressive letter he received outlining that he had won over €1.8m in an “International Lotto Commission” Draw and steps to claim his prize money. The lotto is said to be in connection with Zurich Insurance and Financial Advisers with the company official logo included as well as many specific details such as phone no. and fax no. Tom had suspicions however and contacted Zurich Head office in Dublin and was told there was no connection – Morning Focus also sent pictures of the document to the head office in Dublin who have passed the matter to its internal anti-fraud unit for further investigation.
The Burren College of Art and Master of Fine Arts students Holly Draper and Amanda Patten present The Shadow of Doubt, the MFA graduate exhibition opening on 18th April. The exhibition runs 18th April-1st May and features oil paintings by Draper and Patten. Holly Draper is from Jacksonville, Florida. Amanda Patten is from rural Maine in the U.S. Her work examines religious fundamentalism and visual representations of power. Both ladies join us in studio to talk about their pieces and their experience of studying in County Clare.
John Murphy of the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined us to answer your birdwatching and wildlife queries including a query from last week's show regarding any sightings and recording of the Corncrake in County Clare. John Murphy will be back with us in 2 weeks time – if you have a comment or query please email, [email protected]
