On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Following the Graham Dwyer Trial verdict on Friday last we spoke to Christina Finn, News Reporter with The Journal.ie who outlined the difficult nature of the case. On Friday, members of An Garda Síochána paid tribute to the hard work that went into Elaine O’Hara’s murder investigation. As part of the long inquiry, 488 people were interviewed, 788 statements were taken and 5,300 hours of CCTV footage were examined.
A GROUP OF top economists have proposed a fairly simple way of prodding the stagnating European economy back into healthy growth: Give everyone money. The European Central Bank is currently using quantitative easing. This involves creating cash out of thin air and pumping it into each country’s economy to boost spending. However, there are suggestions that this might not work. A group of economists, including Constantin Gurdgiev have proposed two options. One: use the new money created to ‘finance government spending, such as investing in much needed infrastructure projects’. Two: Each eurozone citizen could be given €175 per month, for 19 months, which they could use to pay down existing debts or spend as they please. Constantin Gurdgiev is an Economist with Trinity College Dublin and he explained the concept to John.
A fashionable Ennis woman has driven off with the top off-the-track prize at one of the world's biggest horse racing meets. The Best Dressed categories at this weekend's Dubai World Cup attracted over 1,000 enstries, but Mary Behan from Beechpark, Ennis was crowned the overall winner. Mary, who is based in Abu Dhabi working as a nurse, now has the use of a Jaguar coupé sports car for a year. An unexpected Mary spoke with John following her big win!
Morning Focus Garda Focus next, with Sergeant Joe Downey Crime Prevention Officer, Ennis Garda Station joined us in studio appealing for your help in solving recent local crime.
A new Arts and Crafts centre is being developed in Clarecastle with plans to open in May 2015. The centre will compliment a new Antiques Centre which will include a coffee shop and house a number of antique dealers. The project has received the support of the major bus tour operators and it will be a stopping point for most of the buses along the western corridor (Wild Atlantic Way). Paul Walsh, an Antiques Auctioneer and Zara Starr Director of Unlimited Dream Machine theatre group both spoke to John about there hopes for this centre to become a first of its kind in the country.
The developers are interested in hearing from artists and craftworkers who may be interested in supplying stock or renting a work area. There are a limited number of work areas available and applications will be accepted from arts and crafts workers throughout Ireland. If interested please contact Paul Walsh at [email protected] 8144030. Paul Walsh, an Antiques Auctioneer and Zara Starr Director of Unlimited Dream Machine theatre group
Derrick Lynch Clare FM Sport joined us in studio with reaction following the weekend's sport. Clare hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald has called for an end to what he has termed as "negative talk" surrounding his panel. He made the comments after yesterdays 1-18 to 1-17 loss to Kilkenny saw the Banner relegated to Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League next year. Fitzgerald says the focus now switches to the Championship opener against Limerick on May 24th. We heard his post match reaction with Clare FMs Syl O'Connor.
Our Resident Wildlife Expert, John Murphy of the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined us in studio to answer your birdwatching and wildlife queries – John was asking our listeners for sightings of yellow hammers as well as talking about Brent Geese following a picture sent into us from listener Ann, of a flock of brent geese in Seafield Beach.
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