Morning Focus opened with the news that refugee services in Clare are struggling to meet demand. Nationallly, for every day of 2014, Up to 14 women who were seeking refuge from domestic violence weren’t able to access accommodation.
Denise Dunne of Clare Haven joined Gavin in studio to discuss the local picture.
The show then looked at the decision of An Bord Pleanála to reverse Clare County Council's decision to give the green light for a new Aldi outlet in Killaloe.
The local authority had given the project the go-ahead last September, but the planning appeals board has now reversed this decision. Gavin spoke with Cllr Tony O'Brien from Killaloe about the situation.
Ahead of the General Election, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was in Ennis. Speaking to Clare FM's Ronan Moyles, Deputy Martin said he he would not make any commitments on the re-opening of A&E services at Ennis General Hospital.
IFA members in Clare were getting ready to meet candidates for the presidency of the association. Three candidates are in the field following the resignation of former IFA president Eddie Downey last year, after revelations that the former General Secretary received a €2m package over two years. Those vying for the president's title are IFA Livestock chairman Henry Burns, nominated by Laois, Wexford, Kildare, Offaly, Kilkenny and Wicklow. IFA Farm Business Galway rep Joe Healy was nominated by Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. IFA Rural Development Chairman Flor McCarthy was nominated by Kerry, Clare, Waterford, Tipperary South, Louth and Meath. Tim O’Leary and Derek Deane were also hoping to contest the race, but both fell one nomination short of the required six. The election will be held in April. Clare IFA Chairperson Andrew Dundass joined Gavin to discuss the election.
Cllr PJ Kelly from the West Clare Municipal District made a call for greater transparency on the local authority's loans. Cllr Kelly says told Gavin he was concerned at the lack of transparency and access to information for members of the authority.
Loop Head Tourism in conjunction with Coláiste Uí Chomhraidhe were set to hold an information evening to discuss the possibilities of promoting 'cúpla focal' in local businesses and community alike. Gavin was joined by Trea Heaps of
Pure Camping, Carrigaholt, and by Donal O Lionsaigh who believes that with significant investment, the college could become a major boost to the local economy of the penninsula.
Regardless of how (or whether) you might be planning to vote in the upcoming General Election, the size, position and number of posters is guaranteed to capture the public imagination. Gavin heard from Pat Cronin of Obair Newmarket on Fergus. The town been clear of election posters for over a decade, but despite this, a number of poster have been erected.
On the same subject, Murt McInerney from Doonbeg joined Gavin on the line to discuss his view that posters and election literature should be curtailed or even banned in some cases.
In order to find a Grand Marshall for this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Ennis, the County Council unveiled its search for Clare's oldest Patrick. The local authority said the idea tied in with the theme of this year's parade 'Clare County of Culture, and would be a fitting tribute to Clare's older citizens. Fiona Whelan of Clare County Council joined Gavin in studio to discuss the idea.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland made a call for Home Economics to become compulsory for all secondary school students, as a way of tackling obesity and raising awareness of nutrtion and healthy eating.
Gavin was joined by RAI member Aidan McGrath of the Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna, who also learned that he is to be interviewed for a St Patrick's Day special by NBC TV. John Underhill of Burren Vets discussed common ailments and the care of donkeys.
Scottish singer, Eddi Reader, formerly of Fairground Attraction spoke to Gavin ahead of a gig at glor, Ennis.
