On today’s Morning Focus Independent Councillors James Breen and Patricia McCarthy joined John Cooke in studio to discuss Cllr. Breen’s call for the abolition of all town councils. Next month will see the publication of proposals to reform Town Councils, amid fears for the future of such authorities in Ennis, Kilrush, Kilkee and Shannon. Ennis Town Councillors have this week insisted these municipal bodies provide best value for money, following a special meeting on their future, but Clare County Councillor James Breen has said all urban authorities should be done away with and is calling on Local Government Minister Phil Hogan to ‘show leadership’. He also feels the abolition of all Town Councils should form part of a range of cost-saving measures. Shannon Independent Councillor Patricia McCarthy disagrees, while also joining the discussion Cllr. Marian McMahon Jones from Kilrush said abolishing town councils is going too far and that restructuring is what they should be looking at. She said Town councils are the grass roots of politics and they serve great purpose, that a huge amount of work is constantly going on – but people don’t talk about what is done only what’s not done
Eamon Timmons of Age Action Ireland joined the show following two recent incidences of attacks on the elderly. Gardai are hunting two armed men who broke into the home of two pensioners in Co. Galway. The men, who were aged in their 80’s, suffered minor injuries during the aggravated burglary which lasted for over three hours. The culprits who were wearing balaclava’s and armed with a knife and a firearm, entered the men’s home in the Williamstown area just before 11 o’clock last night and finally left with a small sum of cash. Gardai in Tuam are appealing for witnesses. This follows the June 1st attack at the home of Willie Creed (74) and his sisters Nora (72) and Chrissie (66), in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. Eamon spoke of the importance of watching out for elderly neighbours and relatives and also suggested how a pet dog may be one way of adding a little extra security to your home.
Fiach Kelly of the Irish Independent joined Morning Focus live from Poznan to discuss the mood of the Irish fans following last night’s defeat to Croatia in our opening game. Republic of Ireland Manager Giovanni Trapattoni says they made only one mistake in the build up to Croats goals in during their 3-1 defeat in Poznan.
The Money Doctor John Lowe answered listener’s financial queries in his weekly feature. He also discussed the €200 NPPR charge (also known as the second home charge). He says those who haven’t paid face up to € 2,300 of a bill per 2nd home since inception. The Money Doctor also spoke about Wexford Independent TD Mick Wallace and how he revealed he has agreed a 2.1 million euro settlement with Revenue for the underpayment of VAT by his construction firm. For further details on personal finance see www.themoneydoctor.ie
Kevin McGillicuddy from Clare FM Sport was also in studio for a look back at Ireland’s first Euro 2012 match against Croatia in Poznan last night. While Clare FM’s Cliona Wilmott took to the streets to gauge public feeling on the defeat.
And John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland was also in studio for his weekly feature and to answer your bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus you can email focus@clare.fm or text the show – Clare Fm followed by your message to 53030
