Morning Focus began this morning with a discussion over the rates motions being put forward at the Ennis Municiple District meeting. Cllr Johnny Flynn has tabled the following motion ahead of today's (Tue. May 3) meeting of the Ennis Municipal District: “Removal of the current 100% Rates Refund as a " stick " to encourage landlords of vacant properties to be " good neighbours " by maintaining their properties to a high standard. That Ennis Municipal District Committee request the Council Executive to put in place a scheme to immediately stop the current 100% refund of commercial rates (annual payment from commercial properties to Clare County council to provide public services such as street cleaning, lighting , sewerage & water services ) that is available to landlords, in the Ennis Municipal District, unless that vacant commercial property is kept up to a high standard of structural condition and external appearance.” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, FF, and Cllr Johnny Flynn, FG, spoke to Gavin.
While water charges are set to be suspended for many people, members of group water schemes will still be liable for their running costs. Over 100,000 people across the country are part of these organisations. There have been calls for money to be made available to ease the burden on people under such schemes. On the line to tell us more is Brian McDonald, Research Officer with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. He is joined by Spanish Point-based Councillor Michael Hillery (FF).
Next up we had a look at the latest from the US Elections. Tonight's Indiana Primary is one of the biggest to date in the race for the White House, especially on the Republican side. While Donald Trump remains the clear leader in the race, it's not yet clear if he'll get the 1237 delegates to secure a majority come convention. If he falls short, then the political fallout that follows could be very intriguing indeed.
Gavin was speaking with Ed Farnan, conservative political pundit with IrishCentral.com
Sgt. Joe Downey the Crime Prevention Officer with Ennis Garda Station was in studio for Garda focus.
Then we got the latest tips and advice from the Money Doctor, John Lowe, including the new fixed mortgage rates from Ulsterbank. http://independentfinancialadvice.ie/blog/
There are 1,282 people living with dementia in Clare. They and their families will benefit from funds raised tomorrow (Wed.s, May 5) as part of Tea Day, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’ biggest annual fundraiser. The Clare branch will hold a tea day, for the first time, in the recently opened day care centre in Ennis. Rhonda Murphy from the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland – Clare Branch, was in studio to tell gavin more.
Clare County Dog Warden, Frankie Coote, was in studio for his weekly spot.
After the 11 o'clock news we heard from the Sports panel. Derrick Lynch from Clare FM Sport and Eoin Brennan from The Clare People were in studio to discuss Clare's draw at the weekend. They also gave their views on one of the most unlikely sport stories of the year: Leicester City's league triumph.
Pat Flanagan, national PRO of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, was in discuss the latest in the build up to Fleadh Cheoil 2016.
And finally, an event which allows all ages to take part in traditional music has been taking place in Glor throughout the month of April. This weekend marks the last of the Saturday sessions with Eoin O'Neill and special guests. Siofra Mulqueen headed to Glor to soak up the atmosphere and hear from all those involved.
