Morning Focus opened by asking if uncertainty over the nature of the new government is hitting retail sales.
It's now just over a month since the General Election and we still don't have a government – a situation which, according to a leading lobby group – is affecting the retail economy. Retail Excellence Ireland – headquartered here in Ennis – says that sales have weakened in recent weeks as a result of a lack of a Government and a lack of focus on the real economy.The organisation has just launched an 8 point plan calling on the government to act now to support the tentative recovery in the retail sector. Their calls includes provision for the renewal of towns and better efforts to tackle crimes against the sector. Gavin discussed the issue with Lynn Drumgoole from Retail Excellence Ireland.
Dr Michael Harty, Ind. Clare TD joined Gavin from Dublin where negotiations are underway on the formation of the next government. Dr Harty said that unless talks are stepped up there may be a second General Election this year.
Morning Focus then looked at Cusack Park stand revamp.Works to-date on the redevelopment of Cusack Park have left some fans a little underwhelmed, with concerns that the Southern Stand is too cramped. John got in touch with Morning Focus to voice the view that the cramped conditions are 'an embarrassment' in front of supporters from visiting teams. He says that Longford supporters were surprised at the situation during a recent game when many were forced to try to squeeze into their seats, due to a lack of space between rows. He feels the state of the stand has made the county 'a laughing stock'. John from North Clare joined Gavin, as did Niall Fitzgerald, Consultant Engineer on Cusack Park followed by Joe Cooney, the Clare County Board Chairperson of the GAA.
Next we talked about the new IFA Clare County chairman. A Doonbeg farmer has been elected as the new chairman of the IFA in County Clare. Gavin spoke to Willie Hanrahan, a dairy farmer who was elected into the role at a meeting in Ennis last night.He replaces Andrew Dundas of Ardnacrusha, who held the role for the past four years. We were also joined by Andrew Dunda, another former IFA Clare County Chairman.
Morning Focus also featured a look at the anger at delay in approving Seafield flood defence funding.We explored how severe storms in the winter of 2013/14 continue to leave their mark on parts of West Clare. The devastation wrecked by record sea levels and gale force winds in Seafield, Quilty, still hasn't been fully addressed more than two years on. While a report has been completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), there's still no indication as to whether or when the organisation will sanction coastal defence works, and the patience of local people is wearing thin. One of those is Danny McCarthy, who was evacuated, along with his family, in January 2014.
Following that we discussed Clare's Older People of the Year Award. If you know an older person who's an active volunteer in their community, they could be in line for some welcome recognition as entries open for 'Clare's Older People of the Year Award' 2016. The award – organised by clare Older People's Council and the Clare Volunteer Centre – acknowledges the efforts of anyone aged 55 and over who's made a contribution to their community over the last 12 months. The closing date for nominations is Monday, April 18 with an awards ceremony taking place at Treacy's West County Hotel on May 2.Monica McKenna the Community Development Office at Clare Local Development and Sharon Meaney the Manager Clare Volunteer Centre came in to tell us all about it.
Subsequently we talked to former bank manager Tony Finnicane as he prepares for his fast for Slainte an Chlair (Banner Rising against Cancer). He decided to get involved in supporting Slainte an Chlair after a friend was diagnosed with cancer last year. He's inviting people to join him on his fast, which starts on Thursday, April 7, and he'll be accepting donations for the duration of the fast, which ends on April 8.
Morning Focus later took a look at the award for the Wild Honey Inn. Aidan McGrath, proprietor of the Wild Honey Inn joined Gavin.
Lastly we spoke to a Feakle fashion designer in line for top student prize. An east Clare woman is making waves in the world of fashion design after making the brave decision to branch into the area in her 40s. Cija Lamb from Feakle says that after raising her four children she decided to develop her artistic streak, prompting her to start of a course at the Mallow College of Tailoring & Fashion. Cija's brave move appears to be paying off as she's now made the final cut for the student design competition at the prestigious DIT Fashion Show in Dublin next month (April 19). Cija’s design, entitled 'Artificial Intelligence' is inspired by the use of technology in our daily lives and the growing power of AI.
