On todays edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke – The country's Post Office network faces being thrown into chaos as postmasters prepare to ballot over savage cuts to their pay. The outcome of the ballot could mean the network is disrupted by postmasters for the first time in the history of the State. Meanwhile, last Tuesday it was announced that the Post Office development group led by Bobby Kerr would working on the future of Post Office with its key focus on securing the payment of social welfare through Post Offices as it accounts for 30%of their business. We spoke to Elaine Hogan from Miltown Malbay Post Office.
Councillor Pat Hayes and Councillor John Crowe spoke to John about a special meeting held last evening, where Councillors unanimously rejected any commitment from IAG that does not explicitly guarantee a long term commitment to services between Shannon Airport and Heathrow. Members have also sought increased connectivity and service at Shannon by Aer Lingus, and the Taoiseach will now receive a letter outlining the Council's concerns.
Mary Fogarty –Industrial Relations Officer INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) spoke to us about postponed industrial action, which was due to begin this morning in the Mid West. Mary also touched on the announcement that the INMO says it has secured more than 100 extra nursing posts for hospitals in the mid-west and Kildare. 70 staff will be recruited in Limerick, Ennis, Nenagh and Croom, while 39 nurses will be hired at Naas General Hospital.
Clare Mc Carthy of "Clare with the Hair" blog from Shannon, is a mother of two and IT worker. Clare runs the popular clairewiththehair blog covering topics related to health and fitness, food and fashion. She’s recently been named as a finalist in the UK Blog Awards 2015 in the Food and Lifestyle Category. She also contributes to RSVP Magazine. Clare joined John in studio today to run through her "top reason’s for exercising" and its many benefits (not just weight loss).
The regulation of electronic cigarettes is proposed in a new Bill published by Fianna Fáil senator Averil Power and Independent senator and consultant oncologist John Crown. The senators want to see e-cigarettes subject to restrictions similar to those which currently apply to tobacco products, as well as the fitting of child safety caps on liquid nicotine bottles. Under the Bill, the advertising of and consumption of e-cigarettes in public places and workplaces would be prohibited. Senator Averil Power spoke to us about why she wants to see e-cigarettes regulated.
Finally we were joined in studio by Frankie Coote representative of ISPCA, and Clare Dog Warden. Frankie outlined key items from the Dangerous Dogs Act and offered us advice on keeping our pets sheltered during this cold weather. If you have any queries you can contact the Dog Pound on 065 68 20393
To contact Morning Focus – email focus@clare.fm
