On this morning’s show, Clare FM’s John Cooke spoke with Minister for Defence Tony Killeen following last night’s Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting, where the issue of confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s was discussed.  Minister Killeen and Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley both described their confidence in Brian Cowen as leader and said they supported him fully in his role as Taoiseach.  They also spoke of the proposed property tax on primary homes and what it might mean if it was introduced.

Also under discussion was the outcome of a public vote in Ballyvaughan last night.  The vote was held on whether or not research could be carried out on a proposed Sea Water Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage Scheme at Gleninagh.  The vote was overwhelmingly a “no” to the project. Locals in the Fanore and Ballyvaughan area, represented by Pat O’Donoghue of the Ballyvaughan Community Development Group said they would prefer to focus on preserving the natural landscape and environment of the area.  Maurice McCarthy of Organic Power Ltd, the company hoping to undertake the research and the project, say they won’t pursue the matter further.

Clare FM’s John Cooke also spoke with Eamon Walsh from Hope for Disability about the scheduled protest in Galway today.  The group hopes to highlight the HSE cuts to respite services in the Mid West.

Also featured on today’s show, David Fitzsimons, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland discussed the issues facing the retail trade, with or without pedestrianisation in Ennis. 

If you have a comment you would like to make, contact Morning Focus by email on focus@clare.fm or text the show on 53030