Morning Focus – Wednesday 29/08/18

Today’s first guest was Dep Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fáil.

He discussed the confirmation of the closure six post offices in rural Clare including Cooraclare, Craggah, Cree, Doonbeg, Kilfenora and Lissycasey. Then conversation moved to the last budget covered under the Confidence and Supply agreement. Fianna Fáil is set to meet next week on October 9th to discuss the budget. A spokesperson has said the part believes there is room for social welfare increases, modest tax reductions, improved public services and a further reduced USC where the bracket for which people will be a higher rate pushed to higher incomes.

Then we heard from Finnoula Meehan, Head of Google Ireland. Meehan has been in the midwest region this week as Google roles out it’s ‘Digital Garage’ event to Limerick and Shannon. The event has seen success in Google’s Dublin HQ and now it’s hoped that success will translate to the Midwest. The event aims to help small to medium enterprises seize online opportunities and find and keep overseas clients.

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The hour ended with a rather sad story. Kathleen Crowe originally from Ireland passed away alone in London recently. Kathleen had been living in Highgate but it is thought she was from North Clare. She has a sister living in this country and police are trying to contact her relatives. Fr Des Forde from Lahinch had more details.

The second hour opened with a regular segment in Ask the GP and Dr Máire Finn. This week’s focus was on beating insomnia and sleeping well.

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Then the show ended with The Greatest Song You’ve Probably Never Heard with Clare FM’s own Brian Flynn. This week’s selection was Derek And The Dominos – Bell Bottom Blues.

Finally it was time to discuss the upcoming Presidential Election. The election will be held on October 26th with County Councils able to nominate candidates from tomorrow (August 30th). Names circling the election to date include businessman Gavin Duffy, Independent Senator Joan Freeman, artist Kevin Sharkey, journalist Gemma O’Doherty, Seán Gallagher who came second to Michael D. Higgins in 2011 and then of course Higgins himself. Gavin discussed the situation with Kevin Doyle, Group Political Editor of Independent News and Media.