Speculation intensified this weekend over the prospect of the Labour party re-entering a coalition government led by FineGael. A number of the party's seven TDs are said to favour a return to government over the prospect of being a minor player on the opposition benches. Former Clare TD Michael McNamara has insisted that party leader Joan Burton must turn down any requests to join a new government. He's said that no agreement should even be considered, in the light of the election result. Insisting that such a coalition would have no mandate, he said if Fine Gael and Labour return to power, voters will be given “one of the greatest snubs in history”.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says he and his party are committed to making a Fine Gael led minority government work. However, Mr Martin admitted that he would have no influence over what other parties or Independents would join in or sit on the Cabinet. Micheál Martin says Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael still have to work out the mechanics of electing a Taoiseach, and the ways that budgets and motions of no confidence would be voted on. Negotiating teams from the two historically rival parties will meet again this morning.
Gavin spoke with Michael McNamara, Barrister & former Lab TD for Clare, to discuss the issues further.
A rise in the number of complaints about the treatment of residents in public and private nursing homes has been recorded. Hiqa received 424 complaints last year – up 19pc from 357 in 2014. Complaints ranged from poor nutrition to giving residents damp clothes, while other elderly people were found with unexplained bruises and undiagnosed broken bones, according to the Irish Independent. Stella O'Gorman from the Clare Older People's Council was on to tell Gavin more.
Next Margaret Slattery, CEO Clare Youth service, and Jean Tierney, Youth Work Manager, were on to discuss the Clare Youth Service Ennis Expo. The Expo takes place on Saturday, April 23 from 2 to 4pm and will showcase the work and services provided by Clare Youth Service.
Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men and older women, and affects 1 in 40 in Ireland. The condition can be extremely painful and if poorly managed can have a significant effect on quality of life. With this in mind, the Clare Branch of Arthritis Ireland is hosting an information evening about Living with Gout on Wednesday next (April 20) in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, at 7pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. The speaker on the night will be Dr. Alexander Fraser, Consultant Rheumatologist, University Hospital Limerick. Gavin spoke with Sinead Frawley from the regional Development Executive Arthritis Ireland to find out more.
Clare Local Development Company (CLD) is to run a 40-week horticulture course in Miltown Malbay, beginning this month (Begins 25/4). The QQI level 5, certified course covers plant propagation, fruit and veg production, work practice and other areas. The programme is offered by Clare Local Development Company in partnership the Limerick Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB).
Gavin Spoke with Claire Ni Grianna, Coordinator Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) and Audrey O'Brien (from Newmarket on Fergus) who completed a level 5 course in Horticulture in December 2015. Audrey found out about the course through Activation training with the social welfare service. She's since found employement with Busy Bees, Clondrinagh, Limerick.
An initiative to make Ennis and Clare more attractive places to visit – and to encourage new retailers to locate here – is to be rolled out. A seminar entitled 'You are the difference' is being organised by Ennis Chamber, Clare County Council and the Clare Local Enterprise Office (LEO). Mr Dunbar is a specialist in coaching for those in the customer service sector and the seminar is aimed at front-line leaders and managers.
To discuss the initiative Gavin was joined in studio by Alf Dunbar, coach & motivational speaker, creator of customer service coaching programe 'You Are The Difference' and author of best selling book 'Just Looking Thanks!’, Jean McCabe, President of Ennis Chamber and Retail Action Group Chair and Padraic McElwee Head of Enterprise, Clare LEO
Next Sunday 24th of April is the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Dr. Tomás MacConmara from Tuamgraney is a historian of that period, and to mark the centenary, he has written “Against the Gale” for Clare FM – a series of radio essays on Clare and the 1916 Rising. Over the next 5 days these essays will take us through the significant events of 1916 in Clare, and will introduce us to key players from that time in the county. The essays all describe actual historical events, but they also attempt to take us right inside the heads of the characters of that time.
In today’s essay we hear of Volunteer leader Micheál Brennan from Meelick in South East Clare. Brennan’s brother Paddy was involved in the plan to bring Roger Casement’s ill-fated arms shipment from Kerry to Clare that Easter week, and Micheal’s job was to set up road bocks between Limerick and Clare. Ray Conway reads “Ready for instant Mobilisation” (RT: 6’12”) MF_MichaelBrennan BACK CREDITS: ‘Against the Gale’ is a Rag and Bone Production for Clare FM. The reader was Ray Conway. It was edited by Anne Marie Kennedy and produced by Paula Carroll. And made with the support of Clare Co. Council’s 1916 Centenary Fund.
Finally, the show wrapped up with a chat with Environmental Awareness Officer, Karen Foley about The Green Fleadh.
