Morning Focus Wednesday July 4

Ireland’s human rights watchdog, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties welcomed the public statements of support for gay marriage by the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore TD and the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD this week fully agreeing with the view that the time has come for society to recognise “the civil rights issue of this generation” of people in Ireland.
GLEN are now calling on the Taoiseach to declare his support for marriage for lesbian and gay couples
 

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus Kilrush native Orla Howard welcomed the comments and said she will wait in the hope of being able to wed her longterm partner in Ireland
Orla is a Board Member of Marriage Equality; and the National Lesbian and Gay Federation.

A junior minister at the department of health has described as "deeply disturbing" – a Centra promotion marketing cheap alcohol as part of a "children’s allowance day special"
The retailer has today withdrawn the offer – and apologised for the campaign which ran in four of its stores
We got a parent’s reaction from Niamh Kelly of Parent’s Against Child Unfriendly Budget says this doesn’t help the image that parents in the lower socio-economic bracket spend their allowance on beer and cigerettes and the higher socio-economic bracket on designer shoes
Thinks retailers should focus on cutting prices of essentials and thereby really help parents and other members of society!

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An Ennis intiative “Independence Days for Independent Businesses” is aimed at highlighting and promoting independent businesses and will take place today which is the US Independence Day and tomorrow, which is the day Daniel O’Connell was elected in 1828, effectively giving the first independence for Ireland through Catholic Emancipation
While highlighting their independence, the businesses will provide an offer or promotion to shoppers in return for their custom
Rita McInerney, CEO of Ennis Chamber and Aoife Madden, Chairperson of the Ennis Development Forum joined John in studio to explain
Contact Ennis Chamber on 065 6842988.

The Football Association of Ireland have given us 10 complimentary places for eFlow Summer Soccer Schools – we’ll be giving away to every day this week  

FAI eFlow Summer Soccer Schools are a Great fun activity for the kids for a week in this summer- they are safe in a fun environment with qualified coaches for your kids – open to all regardless of ability
You can book today on 1890 653 653

Also on Friday we have a top prize of a family 2012/13 FAI season ticket for the Aviva Stadium (2 adults and 2 children)

Ennis Councillors have been divided by a proposal to erect a monument in the town in honour of soldiers of Irish descent who fought for during the Vietnam War
A meeting of the town council has heard that a group of Vietnam veterans who are regular visitors to the county town have offered to pay for the monument, as long as a site is provided
It’s claimed such a tribute would also attract war veterans and their families to the town
Around 2,500 Irish men and women fought in the Vietnam War, and Councillor Johnny Flynn feels they deserve to be honoured
The plan has not received support from Ennis Town Council however, who have proposed that a memorial for all Irishmen who have fought in wars be considered
It remains to be seen if this will be approved by the group who wish to fund this memorial
Ennis Councillors Frankie Neylon and Johnny Flynn discussed this issue

Brian O’Neill from the Rowan Tree Cafe and Hostel in Ennis endorsed the idea saying that many Vietnam vets visit Ennis each year.

Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service was in studio to answer listeners’ social welfare, consumer and employment law queries.

If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]