There were high hopes from the launch of Operation Thor to tackle rural crime. In the Dail this week, Clare FF TD Timmy Dooley asked the Justice Minister for specifics of how the additional resources would be spent in this county. Frances Fitzgerald said it wasn't possible to detail county-by-county breakdown available and things got heated. Deputy Timmy Dooley, joined Marian to give his side of the argument.
A Prime Time investigation revealed this week that there are up to 20 gangs running prostitution rings in Ireland. The report showed that more than 100 women in prostitution rings are controlled by organised criminals. As part of the investigation four years of data was collated, tracking each profile, mobile phone and movement of every woman advertised online, updated daily. The investigation found that organised prostitution involving the pimping and trafficking of women is widespread across Ireland, including here in Clare. It reveals the prices being charged in the sex trade have fallen significantly in recent years. The research shows almost one third of all women advertising across Ireland, now charge as little as €50 or €60 for 30 minutes. It reveals that the criminal gangs who run organised prostitution are now using the women to send the vast proceeds of prostitution abroad. Gardaí say they have sent an 'extensive' file to the Director of Public Prosecutions on this
matter. To discuss the programme, Marian’s guests were Sarah Benson of Ruhama and sex worker Catriona O’Brien, a spokesperson for the Sex Workers’ Alliance of Ireland (SWAI).
Kilkee businessman Johnny Redmond told Marian that he’s been forced to close his guest house and restaurant due to storm works. The second phase of the reconstruction of the 19th century seawall at Kilkee has commenced and is expected be completed around March. Kilkee business man Johnny Redmond claims his 2014 season was a washout because of the damage caused by the storms of 2013 and 2014. He's now concerned that he will miss out on the Christmas season as his business remains blocked by the ongoing works.
Marian heard about a new animated film called ‘The Monster and the Saint' by Flann O'Keeffe. Together with a team of animators and movie makers, Flann has created a captivating story that had its world premier next Sunday at the Community Hall in Miltown Malbay. Flann says grew up with the legend of St. Senan banishing the Cathach to Doolough Lake. Flann is a former missionary priest with an MA in theology and an MA in Freudian psychology from Brunel University, London.
When doing the weekly shop, bananas aren't an item that cost us a lot of thought. Usually, if we have a few for the sandwiches or lunch box, we’re happy enough. The humble yellow fruit is one of the most political commodities we put in our shopping baskets every week, however. That's according to Peter Gaynor of Fair Trade Ireland. Peter recently visited the Dominican Republic where he took part in talks with banana industry stakeholders aimed at improving conditions for workers – particularly the many migrants from poverty-stricken Haiti who've been crossing the border into the region for decades. Bananas are a political commodity because of the long history of control of the global banana industry by just a few large companies, and because of the ongoing exploitation of small farmers and workers in the banana industry, even while others in the supply chain make handsome profits. To find out more, Marian was joined by Peter Gaynor of Fair Trade Ireland.
Author of a lovely local history of Ballynacally Lissycasey – The Parish and its People, Mary History, joined Marian in studio. The book was painstakingly researched over a number of years, and combines the history and geneaology of the two villages.
Donegal singer and 'Strictly Come Dancing' star Daniel O’Donnell has been touring Ireland lately sampling the best in B&B accommodation up and down the country – including the delights of Carrigaholt here in Clare. He and his wife Majella have won the nation's hearts with their quirky banter and their unique take on some of Ireland's best known tourism attractions. Daniel joined Marian for a chat about his upcoming gigs in Killarney and a very busy year for himself and Majella.
Brendan Genelly spoke to Marian about a festival of Irish literature.
Author and sea-faring enthusiast, Norman Freeman, spoke to Marian about his new book ‘The Lure of Faraway Places’. Many of Norman's former colleagues in the Marconi Radio Service live here in Clare and the county has the highest density of ex-marine radio officers because so many came back from the sea (with their own stories of life aboard ship) to work in the busy air traffic control communications centre at Ballygirreen. Norman's book is an amusing and often moving collection of 59 short tales about real-life events at sea.
