Morning Focus Thursday 27th March

On Thursdays Morning Focus Marian began by discussing the latest developments in the "Gardagate" situation.  She was joined by Pat Breen Clare Fine Gael TD and Richard Boyd Barrett People before Profit/United Left Alliance TD for Dun Laoghaire.  Alan Shatter yesterday apologised to the Garda whistleblowers and withdrew statements that Maurice McCabe and John Wilson didn't co-operate with internal inquiries into the penalty point's scandal.  His apology appears to have secured the support of the Labour Party – with Minister Brendan Howlin saying he has the "full confidence of every member of Government".  It's thought the Justice Minister will now survive the immediate consequences of the taping controversy at a number of Garda stations. Marian discussed the issue with both TD's. 

PJ Linnane, former Kilkee Town Councillor was up next with Marian. Due to the discovery of seriously dangerous brown asbestos near their home PJ and his wife are now facing up to 20 years of health checks.  This is due to his home being situated at one of the 9 unauthorised dump sites in west Clare.  He is so afraid of the risks to his health that he hasn't allowed his grandchildren to visit his home since 2013.  One of the leading lung specialists in Ireland, Dr. Joe Commiskey says that PJ and his wife will need testing for at least 2 decades.  

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Thomas King is a Member of Disabled People of Clare and Director of Centre for Independent Living.  He spoke to Marian about travel issues for the people of Clare that have disabilities.   Clare County Council has decided to request that Iarnrod Eireann provide a proper life at Ennis Station.  Thomas says that it is necessary that people can cross independently from one side of the platform to the other.  Being what Thomas describes as man handled in this day and age is simply not good enough.

Pauline Dunne, Local Regional Development Office with Diabetes Ireland joined Marian by phone to chat about an event that's taking place tomorrow.  Diabetes Ireland, in partnership with MSD is hosting a diabetes awareness day in Rochfords Pharmacy, 21 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co Clare on Friday 28th March 2014 as part of a national diabetes roadshow to be hosted in 20 locations across the country.

The Ennis awareness day is open to members of the public and involves Diabetes Ireland professionals offering free risk assessments for attendees, as well as advice and information on the risk factors, symptoms, management and treatment of Type 2 diabetes.  It is estimated that there are currently 191,000 people living with diabetes in Ireland, approximately 1 in every 20 (1 in 8 over the age of 60), and that by 2030 there will be 278,850 people with the condition.

Terri Hooley is a Punk music Pioneer and is taking past in the Doolin Writers Festival which kicks off on Friday.  Hooley is a prominent figure in the Belfast punk scene and founder of the Good Vibrations record shop and label, responsible for bands such as The Undertones, Rudi and The Outcasts.  He is the subject of a new film, entitled 'Good Vibrations, which chronicles his instrumental role in developing Belfast's punk-rock scene.  He spoke to Marian about his life and his love of Doolin. 

Fergus Tighe is an Ennistymon-based director.  "The Clash of the Ash" is regarded as one of the masterpieces of 1980s Irish cinema.  It is an autobiographical film and the director Fergus Tighe will be in attendance for the screening. Tighe is from Fermoy but has lived in North Clare for more than 20 years. Marian spoke to Fergus about the film and his life.  "The Clash of the Ash" will be screened at the X-PO community hub in Kilnaboy on Thursday March 27th at 8.30 pm.

John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.

If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.