Morning Focus began with the American Presidency again. As the dust begins to settle following the surprise election of Donald Trump to the US Presidency, questions continue as to the future nature of Ireland's trade links with America. While the markets have begun to recover after an early slump yesterday, many analysts predict that Trump's attitude to international trading partners could put FDI in this country in jeopardy. Last night, the Taoiseach held a ten minute phone call with Mr Trump and both men committed to working for the mutual benefit of the two countries. They also confirmed that the long standing tradition of the Taoiseach visiting the White House on St Patrick's Day will continue. To discuss the possible implications for Ireland of the Trump presidency, Gavin was joined by Deputy Pat Breen, FG, Minister for Employment and Small Business.
We then had another reaction to the Trump victory from Senator Billy Lawless, Chicago-Based member of Seanad Éireann.
As you'll have been hearing in our Sports News, the GAA could have its first Clare based President in 128 years. Former Munster and Clare chair Robert Frost has been nominated by his native county to run for the Associations top position, with last nights meeting of the County Board giving the move its backing. If successful, the O'Callaghans Mills clubman will become just the second ever Clare man to hold the position. Gavin got the chance to speak with Robert yesterday.
We then had our weekly Ask the GP section with Dr Máire Finn, Ennis Family Medical centre.
The world is still reeling from the result of the US Presidential Election. Truly a harrowing time for the world, how it affects Ireland remains to be seen but perhaps to give a bit of insight Gavin was joined by Neil Robinson, UL Politics Academic Professor.
With further news on the US Election, Clare FM's FIona McGarry spoke with Joe Russell, General Manager of the Doonbeg Golf Resort and Hotel, owned by Donald Trump.
A local Ennis school has brought in a new food scheme. Ennis Community College started offering free breakfast and lunch to all of its students this week. It aims to provide regular nutritious food to children. The breakfast consists of toast, cereal, tea and fruit while the lunch contains rice cakes/yoghurt/scone and fruit with hot food options being available for €2. Gavin was joined on the line by principle of Ennis Community College, John Cooke.
Amidst all of the excitement out in Doonbeg with the election to the US Presidency of Donald Trump, the annual drama festival will go ahead as usual. The One-Act Drama Festival takes place from November 12 to 14 (Sat. to Mon.) drawing a host of amateur dramatic groups from around the county and the country. These include Sliabh Aughty, Mountshannon; Amphitheatre Comapny, Kilkee; and Castlewood Players, Cratloe; who'll be joined by groups from Cork, Kildare, Wexford, and Waterford. Organised by a committee of local volunteers, the Doonbeg One-Act Drama Festival is now in its 30th year. Helen Cunningham, Doonbeg One-Act Drama Festival Committee, joined Gavin on the line.
Gavin’s next guest is an artist who's putting his talent to use to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. Colin Thickbroom lost his beloved wife to Alzheimer's Disease four years ago. He's all too aware of the devastating impact of the disease and he's now launched an exhibition of his work at Shannon Library to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The show runs until the end of this month. Colin joined Gavin live in studio.
And to finish the show. University Maternity Hospital Limerick holds its annual remembrance service at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ennis Road, Limerick on Sunday, November 13 at 3pm. Parents who have experienced the death of their baby/pregnancy loss at any stage, together with their family, friends and hospital staff, are all welcome to attend this service. Marie Hunt, Bereavement Counselling Midwife, UMHL, joined Gavin on the line.
