It was a busy day on Morning Focus, discussing local, national and international news. The show began with a discussion with MEP Seán Kelly, who is calling for greater UK engagement on Brexit.
Up next was Dr Micheál Collins, Assistant Professor of Social Policy at School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice in UCD spoke to Gavin about the rates of tax paid by the top 13 companies in Ireland.
Gavin then spoke to Rita Malone from Clonlara who, along with the RSA is calling for reduced speed limits in urban areas.
Former Labour TD for Clare, Michael McNamara then spoke to Gavin, following a report from the Joint Policing Committee on Justice which recommended regularising the situation of undocumented migrants in Ireland.
Next, historian Dr Ciarán Ó Murchú spoke to Gavin about education regarding the Famine following widespread shock in the UK following a portrayal of the Famine on the television series ‘Victoria’. You can listen back to the interview with Ciarán below:
Rhonda Murphy of the Clare branch of the Alzhemier’s Society and Jim Cooney of Éire Óg GAA dropped in to studio to talk about the upcoming Rocky Ramble, raising money for Alzheimer’s services in Clare.
Elaine Dalton of the Clare Women’s Network and Sharon O’Halloran, CEO of Safe Ireland spoke to Gavin about Silence + Voice 2, a Festival of Feminisms 2017 which aims to continue and deepen the conversation on feminism started with last year’s festival.
Gavin then spoke to Niall Clarke, PRO of one of the oldest fairs in Ireland, the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Niall chatted about the crowds which descended on the Galway town for the first weekend of the festival and what will be in store the rest of the week.
Another festival that has been going from strength to strength is ‘The Outing’, the only LGBT music festival in Ireland, which will take place is Lisdoonvarna this weekend as the final weekend of this year’s Matchmaking Festival. Founder and Festival Director of The Outing, Eddie McGuinness told Gavin about what visitors to Lisdoonvarna have to look forward to. You can listen back to the interview with Eddie below:
Finally, to finish up the show, Morning Focus regular, John Underhill joined Gavin for Ask the Vet, answering listeners queries about all things animals and about the dangers of pancreatitis. You can listen back to John below:
