Bartholomew Omoifo- a Nigerian living in Ennis received daily racist abuse when he worked as taxi driver and is scared to work as a cabbie in Ireland after suffering two assaults by passengers
The 36 year old married father of four spoke out as a man was jailed for viciously attacking him in his car
He had also been the victim of a subsequent assault by another passenger just four months ago
Says it’s very tough as a black taxi driver
He has been living in Ireland for eight years but believes that some people are "venting" their anger at the economy" on immigrants
Bartholomew joined John Cooke in studio on Friday’s Morning Focus to tell of his experiences.
More than 115-thousand pensioners are facing a cut in their pension income this year. It emerged last night that they haven’t been paying the correct amount of tax – and will now face higher bills in 2012
This problem came to light after the Department of Social Protection gave the Revenue Commissioners information about state pension recipients
It showed the tax liabilities of 115-thousand people’s pensions had been under-calculated
It’s thought some people weren’t aware they had to declare that they were receiving both private and State pensions – so their second pension will now be taxed for the first time
Some of those affected could now be facing a drop in their annual income of 4-thousand 400 euro for a single person, and 8-thousand 800 euro for a married couple
Mairead Hayes of the Senior Citizens’ Parliament discussed this with John.
A programme of upgrades to the cliff walk in Kilkee carried out at a cost of €50,000, has been described as a “horror show” by leading architect Hugh Murray, a frequent visitor to the area
We heard from Hugh Murray, now an architect in Parteen and formerly a Principal of Murray O’Laoire Architects in Limerick City
He said this is an example of the low standards of attention to design and detail the council has Lack of consultation, quality and vision and how the preoccupation with health and safety has gotten out of balance – at the expense of beauty
Mayor of Kilkee, Elaine Haugh Hayes also discussed this and Manuel Di Lucia, a Kilkee Estate Agent and of Kilkee Search and Rescue also said the council needs to consult local people beforemaking such changes.
Clare FM’s online poll:
What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2012:
• Diet and exercise – 54%
• Give up smoking – 4%
• New hobbies – 7%
• Better budgeting/ Saving money – 35%
Jackie Maguire, Chairperson of the Household Charge Project Board explained the new 100 euro household charge and how it works, who it applies to, who is exempt or may qualify for a waiver etc.
Also she explained how the www.householdcharge.ie website works – and she answers specific listener queries on the 100 euro tax which will be replaced by a property tax in the year ahead
The Household Charge Project Board says an online system- www.householdcharge.ie – has been set up allowing home owners to register their households and to make payment with a credit or debit card.
Payment can also be made by cheque, postal order or at local authority offices such as Clare county council – However opponents of the charge believe up to fifty percent of homeowners won’t fork out the money
Aidan Courtney of the Ennis Bookshop had some tips for good readin gin 2012 in this week’s Book Focus.
If You have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
