Health, Crime, Shannon Airport and Tourism Dominate First Clare FM Election Debate

The issues of Health, Crime, Shannon Airport and Tourism have dominated the first of Clare FM’s Live Election Debates.

David Barrett, Martin Conway, Timmy Dooley, Róisín Garvey and Trudy Leyden have been debating the issues ahead of polling day on February 7th.

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With just ten days to go to polling day, Clare’s candidates have been debating some of the issues affecting this county.

Five candidates took part in the first of Clare FM’s live election debates on today’s edition of Morning Focus, with Shannon Airport and healthcare to the fore of issues discussed.

Independent candidate David Barrett says it’s time people in Clare wake up to the fact that the health system is on it’s knees.

Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway acknowledges the difficulties within the Health Sector, saying further investment is needed in community hospitals, to prevent the elderly from having to attend the A&E.

But he’s rejected claims that the health system is in complete shambles.

Shannon Airport has suffered from reduced passengers in recent months, particularly in the wake of the global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max Aircraft.

As a Green Party member, Róisín Garvey would like to see a move away from over-reliance on air travel, but says if people are flying to Ireland, they should be making better use of Shannon Airport.

Independent Trudy Leydon believes Shannon is lacking in innovation in recent years.

She insists the airport needs more access to regional funds.

Outgoing Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley believes Shannon’s separation from the DAA has killed the Midwest Airport off completely.

He wants new Government policy brought forward, requiring the two airports to work co-operatively.