MORNING FOCUS TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER
Ironically, the weekend’s anti-water charge protests in Ennis, Shannon and Limerick, and indeed many other places around the country, took place in torrential downpours. However, this didn’t dampen the spirits of the estimated 1500,000 protesters, who sent a clear message to the Government that Irish Water is not the way to go. We spoke to some of the organisers and protesters who attended the march yesterday this morning some of our local TD’s speak to us on the issue. John was joined by Fianna Fails Timmy Dooley and Fine Gaels Joe Carey to debate the issue.
A leading member of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has appealed to the Irish bishops to ignore a new directive from the Vatican which threatens "untold damage" by changing the way the sign of peace is performed at Mass. Fr Brendan Hoban criticised a directive from the Congregation of Divine Worship in Rome, which forbids priests from leaving the altar to exchange the sign of peace with the congregation, including families at a funeral. Fr Tom Ryan Parish Priest of Shannon spoke to us about the issue.
Our personal finance expert John Lowe was in studio to answers personal fiancé queries and as usual got a great response. Amongst the topics covered this morning were, reports on how rent controls would make things worse for tenants the Taoiseachs bid to ease home loan fears of buyers, a new survey which shows how the Irish stick with money saving measures, Waiting list “crisis” for Nursing Home care funding and how a Tax rule change will extend ARFs to 25 years.
RTE legend Marty Morrissey’s joined John this morning to discuss the up coming Christmas concert he is helping organise which will take place in St Mary’s church Mullagh on Sunday 21st December 2014. Among the acts preforming on the night include Phil Coulter , Tommy Fleming, Mike Denver, The Kiffenora Ceile band and Sandy Kelly. Tickets are available on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November from 2pm to 5pm.
Over 45,000 calls that Childline currently answers by night will go unanswered in 2015 the organisation has revealed today. Childline has issued an emergency public appeal for funding to raise the €1.2m it needs to keep the 24 hour service operational. Alex O’Keefe ISPCC Regional manager for the West discuseed the importance of the service with John.
Clare Dog Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his regular slot with advice on proper animal care and animal owners' legal responsibilities. Contact Clare Animal Shelter on 065 6820393 .
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