Morning Focus Tuesday September 25

The rule dictating that the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ sides must be given equal airtime in a referendum could be a problem in the children’s right campaign, leading Yes campaigners said yesterday
All major political parties and the majority of civil society groups are calling for a Yes in the November 10 poll, but under the McKenna judgment, broadcasters must give equal coverage to each side
The launch of ‘Yes to Children’ – a national campaign backed by Barnardos, the Children’s Rights Alliance, the ISPCC and Campaign for Children

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke discussed this with Fiach Kelly, Political Correspondent with The Irish independent

The Environment Minister has confirmed that the number of Councils and Councillors will be reduced as part of plans to reform local government
Minister Phil Hogan also says he expects a decision on the future of Councils will be made over the next week or so
It had been speculated that the Minister would announce a decision following last week’s cabinet meeting but speaking before the Dail in recent says he said his Department’s cost cutting plans are still before government
Here in Clare, Councillors in Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush and Kilkee are anxiously awaiting Phil Hogan’s final decision, something he hopes to announce shortly

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John discussed this with Peter Considine, Fianna Fail – Ennis Town and Clare County Councillor; Paddy Collins, Fine Gael Councillor- Kilkee Town Council; Paul Moroney-
Independent Kilrush Town Councillor and Gerry Flynn, Shannon Independent Councillor

8 Clare Farmers will be hoping for success this week as they prepare to take part in the National Ploughing Championships
The 3 day event gets underway this afternoon in New Ross Co. Wexford with tens of thousands due to attend
This year Clare will be well represented across a variety of the competitions- Meelick’s John White will take part in the Vintage Category while Jim Cronin from Bridgetown will compete in the Horses section
Sixmilebridge’s Barry Donnellan is in the U21’s category,  while Sinead Corbett from Newmarket on Fergus takes part in the U28 Mixed and Fellow Newmarket on Fergus farmer,  Pat Quinn is involved in the 3 furrow event
There are also three Clare competitors in the Junior events; Kilkishen’s Ger Frost, Kildysart’s Ger Hannon and Paul Browne from Cratloe
John had a word with Pat Quin ahead of his ploughing heat

Mairead Doyle, volunteer solicitor with the Free Legal Advice Clinic at the Clare Citizens Information Centre explained the Children’s Referendum by giving a broad outline on what we’re being asked to vote on
 
Clare FM Presenter Ross O’Donoghue sp[oke with John live from the National Ploughing Championships in New Ross, Co Wexford
               
A free seminar aimed at those currently involved in or planning a rural tourism enterprise in County Clare will be held in Kilfenora this Saturday
They could already be a tourism provider or a group involved in local heritage or environmental projects with tourism potential
One of the organisers Alan Hill has run this type of seminar before in Ennis and it got a very positive response
For the past year Alan has been working on the ground with rural tourism enterprises in County Clare – he had a word with John
Reserve a place by emailing [email protected] or call 065 6866800

Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote was in studio to offer advice on the proper care of animals and owners’ legislative responsibilities
Today he spoke about a woman who rescued three collie pups at Spanish Point two weeks ago- someone had tried to drown them. She went on to re-homed them
Also he expressed some concern people have that there are big dogs unleashed and unmuzzled at Lee’s Road

Contact the Clare Dog’s Shelter on  065 6820393

If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]