Ennis Councillor Brian Meaney has signalled his intention to stand for Fianna Fail in the next local elections
On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Councillor Meaney
He confirmed his application to join the party and resigned from the Green Party this week due to his isolation from the group and the party’s urban focus
Breaking his silence on his political future, Ennis Town and County Councillor Brian Meaney- says he felt isolated from the Green Party since their election wipeout which left him as their only elected representative in the west of Ireland
In a statement, Councillor Meaney said he failed get a more Rural understanding to the Greens following 20 years of trying and he’s not prepared to spend another twenty years doing this
The Barefield native – who resides in Darragh- also confirmed he’s applied to join Fianna Fáil and, if accepted, says he will seek nomination to stand as a their candidate in next year’s local elections.
Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with the HSE spoke on behalf of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and represented Alcohol Action Ireland yesterday at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications which discussed the implications of possible legislation on the banning of drinks company’s sponsorship for major sporting events
Dr Smyth spoke with John and gave the background on both the College’s position and AAI’s
Kathryn D’Arcy, Director of the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland also spoke with John
The ABFI represents alcohol manufactures and suppliers in Ireland, said that the comments were misinformed and sensational
This week 65 years ago the pan American ‘Empress of the Skies’ flight crashed in a field in Newmarket on Fergus on its approach to Shannon Airport
There were thirty lost in the tragedy- and only one survivor
Jack Hogan from Cahertigue, Newmarket on Fergus was the first person on the scene of the wreckage
Jack was 25 years old and was awoken from his sleep when the plane hit the ground in a field near his home – Jack told Morning Focus producer Niamh McNamara the story of what happened that night
Local Historian Tony Cassidy is the author of From a Rock to a Hard Place – the story of the crash of the pan American ‘Empress of the Skies’ – the book was prepared to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the tragedy
He joined John in studio along with Larry Brennan of the Clare Roots Society to speak about the tragedy
This publication is in association with the Clare Roots Society – it’s part of it’s local history publishing programme
The launch of From A Rock to a Hard Place is taking place this evening at 6.30pm in the Civic Rooms of Ennis Town Council in Drumbiggle
The Minister for justice says recruitment of Gardai to be delayed following rejection of Croke Park II
Alan Shatter announced that the recruitment of new Gardaí will be delayed following the rejection of the Croke Park II
Minister Shatter told the Association of Garda Superintendents that he had intended to bring proposals to cabinet to begin recruiting new Gardaí
The Minister said this evening his proposals will now obviously have to be delayed until the Government has reflected on how to progress matters following the rejection of Croke Park II
The Garda Commissioner has already said he does not want to see the numbers in the force drop below 13,000
John Parker of the Garda Representative Association gave their reaction.
Aileen Browne of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service encouraged people to donate at their clinics at the West County Hotel, Ennis today from 2-5pm and next week from Monday to Thursday 6-9pm.
See www.giveblood.ie or call 061 306980 for more information.
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