Morning Focus Wednesday 28th May

On Wednesdays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Liadh ni Riada  Ireland South MEP.    There were emotional scenes as Sinn Fein's Liadh Ni Riada become the party's first MEP in Ireland South.  She took the second seat exceeding the quota in the fourth count with a total of 130,840 votes.  John spoke to Liadh about she feels she can do for the people of Clare.  

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) says that households with two or more jobseekers – or adults on low pay – without children, could find themselves experiencing affordability problems when water charges are introduced.  This low-income group is not cushioned by additional free units (beyond the household allocation of 30,000 litres) or related welfare payments yet they are expected to meet the cost of water charges at the same level that a household of high income dual earners will be charged.  John spoke to John Mark McCafferty

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Head of Social Justice and Policy with SVP about what they would like to see happening for those families across Ireland that are struggling. 

Flan McNamara in Cranny got in touch with the shpw this morning.  His Mare dies last night after having her foal.  He is looking for a foster mother for the animal.  If anyone can help get in touch with the morning Focus team on [email protected]  

Bord Gáis Energy is donating libraries throughout Ireland and is calling out for people in every town, village and community to nominate local groups and charities they believe would benefit from a free library. The Donate a Library initiative gives the general public an opportunity to be a local hero and nominate a community group to receive a library worth €1,500 for their organisation, something they may not be able to afford themselves.  John spoke to Emma Walsh, Books and Reading Sponsorship Programme Manager, about how people can get involved.  For more information, please visit www.bordgaisenergybookclub.ie   

Gerry Harrison will deliver a talk on his time collaborating with the Beatles on various film projects in the 1960s and 70s at the X-PO in Kilnaboy on Wednesday 28th May at 8.30 pm.  During his film-making career, Gerry Harrison found himself working with the group on 'Magical Mystery Tour'; with Paul on 'Venus and Mars', 'London Town', 'Mull of Kintyre'; and with John on 'Imagine'.  Gerry will share some of these fascinating experiences of the 60s and 70s in England.  Berry shared some of his stories with the listeners ahead of tonight's talk.

Who has the best scones in Clare.  John will be sampling 3 the produce of 3 Clare bakers as they are in the running to become Irelands Best Scone.  Ciara Copeland, Owner  of The Tea Rooms in Quin.  Imelda Bourke, Owner OF The Pantry, Kilkee and Anne Willis, Café Manager Café Fergus, Newmarket on Fergus were all in studio for a chat and a tasting session.  All three cafes have been recommended by their customers as the places where you can enjoy Ireland's Best Scone and the cafés will now be competing in the final for the national title.   It's now over to the public and a select judging panel to decide which establishment is the proud owner of Goodall's Best Scone! Voting opened on Monday – 26th May – and runs until Friday 6th June. Follow this link to vote http://goodalls.ie/best-scone-2014-voting/

Finally Anne Marie O’Reilly of the Clare Citizens' Information Service was in studio to answer listeners' social welfare, employment and consumer law queries.

Contact Clare Citizens' Information Service on 076 1075260.

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.