On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined in studio by Clare Deputies Pat Breen of Fine Gael and Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fail to debate the Seanad referendum
The Fine Gael party is advocating a Yes vote on October 4th in the referendum
They say the Seanad – an institution which is costing us millions a year – is ineffective and a waste of taxpayers money
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail has launched it’s ‘No’ campaign for the Seanad referendum
The party says the abolition of the Seanad would simply result in greater power for the government
A Majority of Clare voters look set to vote for the abolition of the Seanad
Over half of those surveyed on the Clare-dot-fm website – or 56% said they’re in favour of abolishing the upper house of the Oireachtas when they go to the polls in less than two weeks time
One thousand, three hundred people took part in the online survey with just 9% voting to save the Seanad, however 35% of participants said they ‘d like to keep the Seanad with reforms, an option being put forward by government opponents, though it’s not on offer to voters in the referendum
Four separate investigations are to be carried out into the cause of a fire at Limerick University hospital yesterday
Patients, staff and members of the public were evacuated after the blaze broke out at around half six in the evening
No one was injured in the incident, however smoke is believed to have entered the paediatric unit and several patients have been relocated inside the hospital
The A&E department which was closed for a time has since re-opened – David Hurley of The Limerick Leader had the details.
Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station joined John to appeal for the public’s information on crimes recently committed in Clare
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065- 6848100.
The Motor Tax Office has confirmed a “very high volume” of off the road declarations for vehicles, including tractors, have been received since July 1st
This has led to long queues in the motor tax office and the surge in applications has caused waiting times in The Motor Tax Office to increase and has led to a backlog in processing postal applications
Fiona Mooney of Clare’s Motor Tax Department Office joined John in studio to answer people’s queries
See www.clarecoco.ie or www.motortax.ie
Shock has been expressed in South East Clare at a major arms seizure over the weekend
Gardai discovered ammunition, along with a number of firearms, explosive components and documentation during a search in Meelick on Friday evening
No arrests were made as an investigation into dissident republican activity is ongoing
Meelick native Cathal McMahon – the Irish Daily Mirror’s Crime Correspondant- spoke with John.
Wildlife expert John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners queries.
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
