Morning Focus Tuesday 25th March

On Today's Morning Focus, Marian spoke to Margaretta D'Arcy, Anti-War protestor.  Margaretta D'Arcy was released from Mountjoy prison on Saturday – three weeks earlier than expected.  The 79 year old was jailed for three months on January 15th, over her refusal to sign a bond to stay out of unauthorised areas of Shannon Airport.  Marian spoke to Margaretta about her experience in prison and her thoughts about protesting in the future. 

Up next Kevin Phelan, Spokesperson for the Clare Branch of the Samaritans had a chat to Marian about the free phone number for the Samaritans that has been launched today.  The new number is being introduced as part of the European Commission's plan to reserve all numbers beginning with 116 for services of social value.  Samaritans has been assigned as the "emotional support helpline" by comreg, as it's the only organisation in Ireland already meeting and exceeding European Commission Standards.  The new number has already been trialled in a number of areas, including Clare.

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John Lowe, The Money Doctor was on the line to answer all you money queries.  Marian and John spoke about:

1.     Government considers new insurance levy to cover flood distress fund.

2.     Warm winter helps lower gas prices

3.     Irish bank customers among the most dissatisfied in the world!

4.     Coppers face axe: are 1c & 2c coins on the way out?       

Sean Kelly MEP came into studio to have a chat with Marian.  He discussed The European elections in May and the campaign he is leading against cyber bullying in Ireland and at EU level.

Finally Lachlan Harris Co-founder of One Big Switch joined Marian on the line as the One Big Switch gets some results.  The people power of over 40,000 members has succeeded in unlocking group discounted electricity offers in Ireland for the first time.  The electricity offers have been unlocked as part of the Big Energy Switch, a national group switching campaign run by Ireland's largest consumer network, One Big Switch.

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.