On Tuesday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Senator Averil Power announced her resignation from Fianna Fáil and says Micheal Martin is a leader without followers. In a statement on the Plinth in Leinster House Monday afternoon, she said she will continue on as an independent senator. She launched a scathing attack on Fianna Fail, saying it's not fit for Government; and said she has yet to decide if she will run as a candidate in the next General Election.
She said the party's stance on the same sex marriage referendum was the 'final straw'. Deputy Timmy Dooley Fianna Fail TD gave his reaction.
The Referendum results could be good for Tourism in North Clare, as Lisdoonvarna is featured in a new initiative targeting the LGBT Community around the world. A new Tourism Ireland campaign is hoping to cash in on the Yes Vote for Gay Marriage in a bid to attract more international visitors for same sex weddings and honeymoons here. It features a brand new video showcasing our spectacular scenery and The Outing, the world’s first-ever LGBT matchmaking festival, an offshoot of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival which takes place in October. Chris Gordon Festival performer and co-organiser together with Elmagh Killeen Marketing Manager with Tourism Ireland had more on this.
Irene Lowry CEO and Founder of the Charity Nurture spoke to us ahead of their free Public Health Meeting in the Old Ground Hotel Ennis, on Tuesday 26th May. Nurture Charity focused Maternal Mental Health – Offer counselling services to New mothers and their partners. Nurture have had a Counselling service in Ennis with the last 6 months for further information, contact Lisa at 01 843 0930 / www.nurturecharity.org
Sean Munsanje who was born in Dublin but grew up in Ennis and is a Former Xpose Tv Presenter and current Radio Presenter with FM 104 spoke to us following the Marriage Referendum results. Ahead of the vote on Friday 22nd – Sean wrote a Facebook post recalling what it was like to grow up in Ennis as a gay person, some of the experiences he suffered in school and how much a YES vote would mean to him. Now with the positive outcome he shared his story with John.
A video posted online in recent days, which has now been watched over 500,000 times, shows complaints from a woman after the priest in Ennistymon barred another woman from attending the First Communion Ceremony. Ennistymon Parish has released a statement in light of the claims outlining that there is a dress code in place for participants of liturgical celebrations to help "create a respectful and joyous atmosphere of worship, especially for children." Travellers representative group Pavee point has been in touch with members of the family in question and says as long as people aren't infringing on the rights of others, they should be allowed to wear whatever they chose, within reason. Spokesman Martin Collins hopes some resolution can be found, he spoke to John.
The O' Donovan family from Corofin joined us in studio following son Caoimhin's recent success at the Pride of Ireland Awards. 10 year old Caoimhin saved his twin sister Shona when he donated vital bone marrow after she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia last summer. Parents Luighseach and Kevin became concerned with Shona’s health in July 2014 when she noticed that she was bruising very easily. Thankfully Shona is over 150 days post transplant and doing well. Caoimhin was presented with the Pride of Ireland Child of Courage Award after his grandmother Joy in Donegal nominated him. Luighseach has said that comments on Social Media from strangers all around the world have helped to boost Shona's confidence and the ceremony last week meeting celebrities really helped too.
If you have a comment or query for the show please email focus@clare.fm
