Morning Focus opened with a look at a plan FG drafted to court 15 independents into a minority government.
Last night (Tue., April 5), Fine Gael gave Independent TDs a document outlining planned reforms in health, justice and housing.
However some of the representatives say it doesn't go far enough – particularly when it comes to health policy.
It comes 40 days after the country went to the polls and ahead of a meeting today between Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin. That'll follow a vote on Taoiseach, which neither the FF nor FG leader is expected to win.
Gavin spoke first to Dep Pat Breen, FG; and then to Dr Michael Harty, TD, Ind.
The Mayor of Ennis has organised a meeting focussed on the rejuvenation of Parnell St. in the town.
Last evening, Councillor Pat Daly told a meeting of the Ennis municipal District that the level of empty business premises there is "sad" and representated a "very serious situation"
A report by the Clare people found nearly half of the business premises on Parnell Street were vacant
On Tuesday next (April 12), traders there will meet with Councillors and other groups – Councillor Daly spoke with Gavin after the meeting, and gave him his assessment of the situation there at present.
Morning Focus then looked at new research showing that singing in a choir regularly, can help to fight cancer.
New research shows singing for just an hour can help to strengthen the immune system and relieve depression and stress
The research by Tenovus cancer care in the UK, says the findings could enhance the way we support people with cancer into the future. Gavin spoke with Doireann Wylde of Doireann's Wylde Roses
Most of us experience the odd twinge of pain from time to time – or a little more often, in some cases, but one person in every eight people in this country has pain constantly, 24/7, and rarely, if ever, feels any relief.
Chronic pain is a reality that devastates lives and families and costs the State more than heart disease and diabetes combined.
People can learn techniques that can help them to manage and cope with their condition. Chronic Pain Ireland (CPI) will run a self-management course in Ennis on this day week, Wednesday, April 13 from 11am to 2pm at the Temple Gate Hotel.
Gavin spoke with Nancy Kelly an Ennis native who lives with chronic pain. Nancy has chronic pain for the last 24 years and the trigger was a car accident. She's a former nurse, diagnosed with fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, she has osteoarthritis of the spine from 7 disc bulges and disc prolapse and also experienced a lot of migraines.
Music lovers are in for a rare treat this Friday night (April 8) in Ennis with a concert featuring the award-winning Seoda Chamber Choir and renowned singer-songwriter Lucinda Drayton.
The fundraising concert in the Templegate Hotel is in aid of the local Bushypark Treatment Centre which work sto support individuals and their families struggling with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions. Gavin heard from Gerry Murphy, Team Leader, Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre.
The Road Crew MCC (motorcycle club) are having a 'run out' round West Clare on Saturday next (April 9), starting at 1pm from Hogan's Garage on the Lahinch Rd. The route will be Ennistymon, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Lahinch, Kilkee back to Ennis.
The Club will be hosting a rock night afterwards at The Local Bar, Ennis – Doors Open at 9pm. The event is in aid of the Ennis & Clare Branch of the Samaritans. Gavin heard from Ken O'Grady, President, Road Crew MCC and from Daire O Criodain
Chair Ennis Samaritans (Kilrush Road)
Miltown Malbay native, Diane Banville, lost her husband Kevin on St Patrick's Day of last year. She and her two-year-old son, Ryan, found the body the 33-year-old after a farm accident. Their second son, Cillian, was just two weeks old at the time.
Kevin had been feeding cattle on the farm in Newbawn, Co Wexford, when he was crushed between a bale of silage and the front loader of the tractor.
The couple had married just 11 months before Kevin’s death and plans were being made for the couple’s first wedding anniversary the following month.
**An information night is to be held tomorrow night (April 7) in the Castleoaks Hotel, Castleconnell with a view to establishing a branch for counties Clare, Tipperary and Limerick. It will be the fifth branch of the support group nationwide and will meet regularly provide invaluable support to families who have had to deal with tragic deaths and serious injury arising from farm incidents.
John Underhill discussed eye complaints in animals.
Morning Focus concluded with a look at a special event being held at the St Vincent de Paul shop on Parnell Street. The store will hold a Spring Fashion Extravaganza on Friday and Saturday next (April 7 & 8). Staff have been saving the best items and designer donations since before Christmas, and Gavin spoke to Mairead Lavery about the event which will raise funds for local families.
