On Wednesday’s Morning Focus, We take a look across the pond and at around lunchtime yesterday, Boris Johnson was unveiled as the new leader of the British Conservative Party.
He beat out his rival Jeremy Hunt by a more than 2 to 1 margin. In his first speech as leader he acknowledged some wouldn’t be happy – a bit of an understatement, considering that a number of Cabinet members have decided to step down in protest. Boris Johnson will become Prime Minister later today, and is likely to fill his cabinet with Brexiteers ahead of 100 crucial days for Brexit. Bernard Purcell who is the Editor of the The Irish World in London joined us on the program to give us an insight on how he thinks the new PM will get on in office.
We then asked what that means for the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and pressure on the backstop. Deputy Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection joined us on the show to discuss what this could mean for Ireland.
As a result of recent events directly affecting the future of the economic development of West Clare, Rita McInerney has held a meeting with Clare Oireachtas members and West Clare Councillors, as well as agencies including the Kilrush Town Team, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, Kilkee Chamber of Commerce and the Doughmore Protection Group.
Among the topics for discussion were future plans for Moneypoint Powerstation, the changes to the speed limit on the N68 and the decision on the coastal protection at Doughmore. Fianna Fail General Election candidate Rita McInerney joined us to tell us about the outcome of the event.
Now, we’ve been hearing all about new shuttle bus services to the Cliffs of Moher in an effort to cut down on congestion at one of the country’s top visitor attractions.
The initiative from Clare County Council has received a warm welcome, with a positive response too to moves to reserve spaces for chauffeur driven vehicles and the passengers. Gavin Grace has been speaking about the issue to Gerry Keane, spokesperson for the Western Chaffeur Drive Association.
The tragic discovery of the body of an 85-year-old man which is thought to have been undiscovered for seven months has shocked people – not just in his native Cork city, but around Ireland. Ritchie Scanlan’s body was discovered at his home in Madden’s Buildings in Blackpool on the northside of Cork city at midday last Friday. The sad news has prompted renewed concerns over isolation of the elderly, not just in rural areas, but in towns and cities.
Father Tom Ryan says it’s important not to be embarrassed to ask other neighbours and to watch out for the tell-tale signs:
The Greatest Song You’ve Probably Never Heard with our very own Brian Flynn
Bleed to Love Her – Fleetwood Mac
To end the show we have our weekly ‘Ask the Vet’ with John Underhill from Burren Vets.
