On Wednesdays Morning Focus; Next month Taoiseach Enda Kenny and 27 ministers will visit two dozen countries as part of what's been described as the biggest St. Patrick's Day ministerial exodus in years. John Downing, Political Columnist with the Irish Independent joined John by phone to discuss the travel arrangements.
We also heard a vox pop by Mairead Collins; she asked some of Clare's residents their thoughts on the St. Patrick's Day trips.
Up next John spoke to Ann McCullough an Ennis pensioner who was recently a victim of crime. Ann was mugged in the street last November and she is still frightened by her experience but says she was encouraged by the Garda response and others should go the Gardai if they've been a victim of crime.
The Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU), which represents 1,100 Post Masters throughout the country, has launched a major campaign demanding that the Government produce an action plan to ensure the sustainability of the Post Office network. Postmasters will gather outside Leinster House on Wednesday February 26th when a Dáil motion proposed by the 16 members of the Technical Group of TD's will be voted on. John had a chat with Kildysart native Tom O'Callaghan of the Irish Postmasters Union Executive about the threat of a possible wipe out of the network.
Ultan Cowley is a Historian and Author. He has a new audio documentary – Voices of the Men who Built Britain. It features fifteen individuals (including two women), mainly from the West of Ireland, whose lives were lived in and around Britain's 20th Century construction industry. He spoke to John about some Clare natives featured in the documentary and we heard some extracts from people that hailed from the Banner County.
Clare residents have raised 14 thousand euro for those people who were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines 100 days ago. Peter Power Executive Director, UNICEF Ireland spoke to John about how people can continue to donate at www.unicef.ie.
Ann McMahon is Principal of Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Newmarket on Fergus. They're holding a Monster Bingo event this evening in the community hall in Newmarket on Fergus from 9.30. It's to raise money for Speech and Language Therapy Services to support children with Special Needs at the school. Ann spoke to John and is asking everyone to come along and support a good cause.
Finally Paul Wolfe from Clare Citizens' Information Service joined John in studio to answer listener's questions. If you have a question get in touch with Paul on 0761 07 5260 or email queries to [email protected].
To contact the show please email [email protected]
