Political intrigue, high drama and farce characterised Ireland’s most recent Presidential campaign and the fallout from the thrilling 2011 Presidential Election means it’s still very much in the news months later
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus Marian Egan spoke with Public Relations Consultant, Former Cabinet Advisor and Journalist Tom Reddy about his new book, The Race For The Áras, that provides the first catalogue of the events that transfixed the nation.
Local representatives throughout Clare have expressed disappointment with the news that the organisers of the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia have withdrawn from the event
IMG had organised the cycling event for each of the past two years, attracting over 3,000 participants and generating 2 million euro for the local economy
However, they’ve now pulled the plug on their involvement, citing business reasons, and while Shannon Development says it will work with Clare County Council in securing a replacement, local councillors feel its a major blow for economic development
Marian had a word with Paul Ryan, Tourism and Marketing Manager of Shannon Development
North Clare Councillor Richard Nagle of Fianna Fail said it was regrettable event has been cancelled but said that if it were to have continued changes would have to have been made to the route.
Susan Griffin of Clare Fracking Concern had a word with Marian having just returned from Marseille where she represented anti fracking campaigners in Ireland at the World Water Forum.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer of the Clare Garda Division appealed for the public’s assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past week
If you have any information contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe discussed the CSO figures released last week
The cost of mortgages and rent has overtaken that of food as the biggest single household expenditure, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office
The average cost of housing has risen to €143.73 a week compared with €94.57 in 2004/2005, according to the CSO’s latest survey on household spending which is conducted every five years
During the same period spending on food has fallen from €142 per week to €131.28
Since 1980, the food spend has fallen to 16.2pc from 27.7pc while in the same period the cost of housing has risen to 18.2pc from 7.2pc reflecting the number of people that have taken out mortgages and the cost associated with home ownership
Overall average weekly spending has risen 3pc since the 2004/05 survey, going from €787.07 then to €810.61 in 2009/10
Average household income now stands at €1,027.77 per week, up 4pc from the 2004/05 survey
Other statistics show that since 2004/2005, the number of homes with fixed telephone lines has dropped from 86pc to 70pc while those with mobiles increased from 84.3pc to 96pc
The number of homes with a computer increased from 56.2pc to 77.3pc
As always John Lowe was happy to answer your personal finance queries.
www.themoneydoctor.ie
John Murphy, Clare branch Chairman of Birdwatch Ireland, joined Marian to answer listeners’ bird and wildlife queries.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined Marian in studio
He had advice on the proper care of animals and owners legislative obligations
Contact Frankie on 087 622 5253.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
