As Renua launched their General Election manifesto this week, leader Lucinda Creighton unveiled plans for a flat tax of 23%; the abolition of motor tax and the television licence fee, as well as a raft of reforms to the Leaving Cert.
Deputy Lucinda Creighton spoke with Gavin about the party's plans nationally and in the constituency of Clare.
In the midst of trying to protect their homes from flood waters, exhausted locals in Clonlara had to contend with a gang of burglars attempting to break into homes left vacant by the flooding.
The would-be thieves were foiled but the situation was greeted with disgust from locals and the wider Clare community.
Gavin spoke with lcoal Cllr Michael Begley and Cllr James Breen, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.
Discolouration of the water supply in South-East Clare lead a local councillor to call on Irish Water to urgently test the quality of from the Castletroy Reservoir.
Cllr Cathal Crowe pointed out that several thousand residents in South-East Clare receive their water from Limerick, and that for the past number of months residents have complained of discolouration in the supply.
Cllr Cathal Crowe outlined his concerns to Gavin.
Communities across the county are being invited to 'adopt a monument' as part of a novel scheme from the Heritage Council. Up to January 22, groups can apply to the council to take charge of a momument that means something to them and Gavin spoke to Roisin Burke of Abarta Heritage who are working with the Heritage Council.
The Irish Heart Foundation is among those backing a new campaign to reduce alcohol consumption for the month of January. Gavin spoke to Gerry Murphy, Team Leader Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, Ennis, about the benefits of going alcohol-free for a month.
Gavin discussed New Year health and fitness resolutions with John Whyte of Motivation Weight Management and Shane O'Donohue of Treacy's West County Gym
Cuimhneamh an Chláir, Rag and Bone Productions and Clare FM's Paula Carroll brought us a lovely piece on calendar customs throughout the year – from St. Brigids Day in February right through to Christmas. The feature included the voices of Nan Aherne from Ennistymon, Paddy Tuohy from Whitegate, Frank Davis from Ennistymon, Teresa Flynn from Mountshanon, and Peggy Hogan from Feakle, whose memories are included in the oral history collection of Cuimhneamh an Chláir (www.clarememories.ie).
A Tipperary man has raised more than 2-thousand Euro for flood relief in County Clare. Michael Fahey put a vintage tractor up for auction after seeing the plight of flood victims here.
Over Christmas, the Thurles native presented a cheque for €2,200 to the Clare Branch of the Red Cross for humanitarian assistance.
Gavin was joined by Michael Fahey who has pledged futher fundraising support and with 'Tractor Action' groups being formed around the region.
Over Christmas, a wedding ring was found in an Ennis Lions Club collection bucket. Keen to reunite the ring with its owner, Terence Mangan of Ennis Lions Club spoke to Gavin about the find.
