On today’s Morning Focus Clare FM’s Marian Egan was joined by Brian Gormley, Regional Officer with the Unite Trade Union. Aer Lingus maintenance staff at Shannon Airport are to seek the support of colleagues at Dublin and Cork airports in a ballot for protective strike action as part of their ongoing row with the company. A meeting of 55 workers and trade union officials took place at Shannon Airport today, with workers firmly opposed to any imposition of compulsory redundancies connected with a proposed closure of the Shannon facility. A further meeting will be held in Dublin next Tuesday, but support for their action will now be sought from over 100 other workers at the other state airports. Unite representatives admit that any action could ground the Aer Lingus fleet, but say it would only be taken if management insists on closure of the Shannon hanger and compulsory redundancy. They’re seeking to refer the dispute to the Labour Relations Commission
Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley is the opposition spokesperson for Transport, Tourism and Sport. He spoke to Marian Egan in response to yesterday’s meeting of Aer Lingus maintenance staff and discussed how the former state carrier has urged its shareholders not to take any action following Ryanair’s latest takeover bid. The board of the airline says it has noted Ryanair’s announcement – and will make a statement in due course. Fianna Fail is calling on the Government to use it’s 25 per cent stake in the former state carrier to block the 650 million euro bid by Ryanair – which already owns 29.8 per cent. He also commented on local business closures Curley’s Furniture, Bill Cullen Renault Ennis.
Niamh Gallagher is the Co-Founder of the Women for Election group; she spoke to Marian Egan about the non-partisan group, which is working to encourage more women to enter politics. They held their first “Inspire” programme in Galway last weekend and several women from Clare were in attendance. The level of interest in the Inspire programme, following on from very successful events in Dublin and Cork is a clear indication to Women for Election that there is no shortage of capable and competent women who could potentially make a huge contribution to public life Women for Election want to demystify political campaigning to encourage more women to consider running for election by giving them the practical tools. For more details see www.womenforelection.ie
Roisin Ni Ghairbhith, Green Schools Travel Education Officer with An Taisce outlined today’s cycling events in Clare as part of Bike Week 2012. Today will see giant COW events (Cycle On Wednesday) in Ennis, Shannon and Kilkee. Cycle to School events will also be held. Roisin told listeners where cyclists will be and to please drive carefully! Bike Week 2012 takes place from 16 to 24 June 2012 – for more details see www.bikeweek.ie
Michael Duggan, a Committee Member for Spancilhill Horse Fair discussed the annual event, which takes place this Saturday – the 23rd of June. The fair is one of the longest running in the country with the first recorded event traced back to over 300 years ago. This year there will also be a donkey derby on the eve of the fair. Michael discussed what’s happening and the highlights of this year’s fair, the traffic restrictions and general information for those wishing to attend.
Pat Murphy of the Clare Sunset Foundation and Seeking Vision spoke to Marian Egan about how the group is holding their 3rd annual coffee morning on Thursday 21st June in the Temple Gate Hotel from 10:30 to 1pm. Guests on the day will include Fr. Cletus, Brian Flynn and Chris Hanrahan from Clare FM. Light refreshments will be provided and all proceeds will go towards helping the visually impaired. For details of this event and upcoming events please call 065 6824875
Una Phelan of Atlantic Way Food joined Morning Focus to talk about “Celebrating Regional Food in Co. Clare”, which is the theme of this year’s Atlantic Way Food event. The event will profile the richness and variety of artisan, local and seasonal food from Co. Clare in restaurants, hotels and markets throughout the county. This four-day campaign on the 21st- 24th June is the second of this year’s programme of activities, with all food lovers invited!
Paul Wolfe from Clare Citizens’ Information Service answered listener’s queries on a wide range of topics including your consumer rights and entitlements
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus please email the show – [email protected] or text Clare FM followed by your message to 53030
