On Friday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Labour says no action will be taken against a TD who voted against the Government. Michael McNamara refused to obey the Government whip on a vote on a piece of legislation he himself had put forward to give Gardai trade union recognition. It's normally automatic to lose the whip and be expelled from the Parliamentary Party, but Labour says because of the unique circumstances where it was his own legislation the rules will not apply. The Clare TD says he supports the Government and will vote with them on future votes, he spoke to John this morning.
It's National Guide Dog Day and you're being asked to support the work of Irish Guide Dogs with collections taking place in Ennis and Tulla today. It's a cause close to the heart of Paraic Barnes who found that Man's Best Friend could help him return to normal life after losing his sight. John met the Ennis man and his Dog for a guided walk through town …….
To support Guide Dog Day
* To donate €4 text WOOF to 50300. (100% of text goes to Irish Guide Dogs across most network operators. Some operators apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.25 will go to Irish Guide Dogs.
* Buy a badge at the collections in Tesco’s Ennis and on-street in Tulla.
www.guidedogs.ie
The Minister for Transport says he's disappointed the talks have broken down. He has reiterated that he feels the action is unjustified – and will cause considerable damage to an economy that is in recovery. Paschal Donohoe also says it will have financial implications for the bus companies who are just getting back on their feet, and discommode the travelling public. Dermot O'Leary General Secretary National Bus and Rail Union spoke further to Morning Focus explaining why the strikes were going ahead despite last evening's talks.
Morning Focus Friday Panel next . . . Our panel of three guests from around the county joined us in studio to take a look back at this week biggest news stories. Pat Kelly, of Skycourt Shopping Centre Shannon, Manuel Di Lucia Di Lucia Auctioneers Kilkee, Bernie Ruane Council Member on Teacher Council all gave their views on this weeks topics including the Nepal Earthquake Disaster, Spring economic Statement, Bus Strike and the Leaving Cert Reform
Corofin Festival of Finn kicked off yesterday with the launch but loads to look forward to including Festival dance night, farmers market, myths and legends bus tour, Ireland's best moustache and beard competition. Martin Waldron Festival Organising Committee filled us in on some of the highlights.
The Clare-based Burren Cycling Club are taking on one of their biggest ever challenges to date this week when they attempt to cycle the entire length of Wild Atlantic Way in just five days. Burren is the first cycling club to undertake the 2300-kilometre long route in a continuous relay between April 30th and May 4th. By the time they complete this challenge the cyclists will have climbed the equivalent of 2x Mt. Everest and burned a total of 50,000 calories. Patrick O Donoghue is the Co-founder and Treasurer of Burren Cycling Club checked in with us as the cyclists made their way to the county with an update!
Micheal Hogan Co-Chair of Bodyke Festival outlined what is happening in the area over this Bank Holiday Weekend – Bodyke are having their 3rd annual festival this bank holiday with Trad sessions / Magic Shows / Golf outing / Family Fun Walk and much more!!
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