The Mayor of Ennis has played down remarks made to three of Clare’s female candidates in the forthcoming General Election, as ‘a bit of humour’. At the monthly meeting of Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly told three female local authority colleagues, who are standing for election, that all the walking on the campaign trail would be ‘good for yer figures’. Mayor of Ennis, Pat Daly, spoke to Gavin this morning about the comment. While the Mayor insists the comments weren’t intended to cause offence, Clare Women’s Network claim they represent ‘latent sexism’ in politics and in society as a whole. Elaine Dalton, Co-ordinator of Clare Women’s Network, also spoke to Gavin on the show. Elaine believes that while Cllr Daly didn’t mean any offence, the remarks highlight the need for local and national representatives to be trained on issues around gender equality. She says it also puts the spotlight on the more serious issues hurdles faced by women who want to enter the political arena. The Network says that when sexism is ‘latent’, it is much more difficult to call out and more likely to be internalised by women themselves.
Clare Colleran Molloy, Fine Fail, also spoke to Gavin about Cllr Daly’s comments.
Next on the show, Gavin spoke to Michael Vaughan, Lahinch Hotelier and former president of IHF; and Cillian Murphy, Chairperson for Loophead Tourism about a pre-election wish list. Hoteliers in Clare are calling on local candidates in the general election to commit to decisive action in support of continued recovery in tourism. The IHF’s national tourism policy document notes that tourism supports 7,400 jobs in Clare and contributes some 190 million euro to the local economy annually. As part of a four-point plan, the IHF is seeking to ensure tourism remains a major engine for economic growth and employment, targeting the creation of 40,000 new jobs throughout the country by 2021.
Later on Morning Focus, Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch spoke to Davy Fitz.
Ruth Gilhool joined Gavin in studio to talk about special needs parents wanting 1916 proclamation honoured. A group representing thousands of parents of children with special needs are calling on those hoping to be part of the next government to honour the 1916 proclamation by cherishing all children equally. The DCA Warriors, which has an estimated 8,000 members, provides support to parents applying for Domiciliary Care Allowance, Carers Allowance, Disability Allowance and Carers Benefit. In advance of the General Election, it says it’s focusing on ensuring the rights of children with special needs are fully vindicated.
Shannon singer/songwriter, Adam Moloney and Tom McEvoy, Funding & Advocacy from Pieta House, spoke to Gavin on the show today. Adam released a charity single with funds going towards Pieta House. ‘Wish Upon a Star’ was penned by the thirteen year old and he is hopeful with all the money raised going towards Pieta House that the song will raise much needed awareness about suicide prevention.
Gavin then gave a roundup of the weekend events. James Lafferty, the Treasurer on the Clare Area Committee for the Irish Red Cross joined to talk about a collection. The Irish Red Cross Clare Area will hold Church Gate Collections for Humanitarian Aid for the people of Clare in Kilrush and Quilty. Mass times at St. Senan’s Church:
Saturday 13th February at 7pm; Sunday 14th of February at 10am and 12 noon. Mass times for Monmore Church: Sunday 14th of February at 8.30am. Mary Moynihan, the Activities Co-ordinator at the Health and Wellness Centre Carrigoran spoke about an Enchanted Evening taking place tonight in Carrigoran. Kay Madden also spoke to Gavin about an event. The 18th Annual Coffee Day is taking place at Maddens, 23 Lower Main Street, Tulla, today (12th February). The event will run late into the evening and proceeds are in aid of the annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes & Clare 250 Cancer Centre.
Next on the show was the weekly Friday Panel. The panellists joining us this week were: John Cullinane, the Clare Area for Saint Vincent de Paul; Orla Vaughan, Kilfenora Hostel Owner; and Martin Waldron, the PRO for Burren Eco-tourism. The panel discussed various topics including Gangland Crime in Dublin, the Leaders’ Debate, and whether or not phone usage poses a problem for relationships.
Finally on the show, Gavin spoke to Willie Daly, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaker, about Valentine’s Day.
