Voters can kick out the jams on polling day

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

Friday June 5 has finally been declared as the date for the 2009 European and Local Elections - that’s just 114 days for voters to decide whether they will ‘kick ‘em out or keep ‘em in’.

Will it be Ganley v Michael D for Europe?

Thu, Feb 12, 2009

Within the next few weeks, Libertas will make an announcement on whether or not its founder Declan Ganley will run as a candidate in the North-West in the EU elections.

How will the economy affect the way people vote in the county?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Right now June 5 might not be a date that means much to people – but we can be sure that once it (or alternatively Thursday June 4) is announced as the date for the local and European elections people will pencil it in their diary as a date to look forward to.

The gravy train can’t continue…

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Since I left the Dáil in 2002 I have been loathe to condemn the pay and perks of politicians. This reluctance was based on inside knowledge of life as a public representative.

Instead of job security, they are permanently vulnerable to the whim of the electorate. Unsocial hours and endless availability to the public take a real toll on personal and family life. People don’t go into politics to make money.

At last, FF confirm worst kept secret — Keane will run in City West

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

It may have been the worst kept secret in Galway politics, but this week Fianna Fáil officially confirmed what the city’s political watchers and what this column has been saying for months - Peter Keane will run for the party in Galway City West.

Is Rev Towers to stand in the city?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Speculation is mounting as to the political intentions of Rev Patrick Towers, the former rector of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, whether or not he will run in June’s Local Elections - and speculation is intensifying that he may stand for election to the Galway City Council.

In an extensive interview on his life and career in the Galway Advertiser last month, Rev Towers said he “would consider entering politics” and that if he runs it will be for The Green Party.

FG skullduggery in Oranmore?

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A battle is on between Liam O’Carroll and Michael Eames for the right to run in Oranmore in June’s Local Elections and it seems FG HQ favours Mr O’Carroll while local members are going for Mr Eames.

Fears for Celestica jobs as all staff are called in for night-time meeting

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Workers at the Celestica plant in Parkmore were waiting to hear their fate last night as the company prepared to hold a general meeting with all 380 day and night shift staff in the facility. It was widely expected that the company, which announced cuts to working hours last week, was preparing to cut its Galway workforce in a bid to offset a fall in revenue.

US woman tracks credit card fraudsters to Galway

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

An American woman was shocked this week to discover her credit card was being used to pay for a room in a Galway hotel, while she was at home in Texas.

Another minute, another job lost, another dream dashed

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Tick, tick, tick...watch the hands move around the face of the clock, the two senior hands watching as the frantic second hand makes its way around the face, down the bottom and up the hill towards the completion of another minute. Another minute. An Irish minute in which another person has just been told she has lost her job.

Man said garda called him a ‘smelly tinker’

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A man who accused gardai of discrimination and calling him a “smelly tinker” was refused bail at Galway District Court last Monday on the grounds that gardai were unsure of his address, there was a risk of witness tampering, and alleged threats.

Multicultural event in Club LA

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

THERE WILL be a multi-cultural flavour to all that will happen in Club LA, Shop Street, next week at The Explosive Tropical Party.

Investigation follows sale of non-existent Anfield trips to Galway fans

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Gardaí are understood to be preparing to make contact with several Liverpool fans who were sold fake packages to the club’s recent match against Chelsea at Anfield. More than 60 people paid hundreds of euro each for the trip, only to discover on arrival at airports and hotels that their tickets didn’t exist.

Man attacked on University Road

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Gardaí have appealed for information following an assault which occurred on University Road in the early hours of Sunday.

Permanent home in sight for Colaiste na Coiribe

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

The granting of planning permission to Galway City VEC to buy land at Ballyburke, Barna from the city council to provide a permanent home for Colaiste na Coiribe represents the clearing of an important hurdle for the city second level school.

Woman knocked off chair and kicked because of curtain alteration, court hears

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A young mother with a history of assaults was sentenced to five months in jail for assaulting a woman when she was not satisfied with alterations made to her curtains.

Four months for city centre dress thief who pulled race card

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A four month prison sentence was imposed on a woman who after stealing a €500 dress struggled with a Garda officer and then claimed that she had only been arrested because of the colour of her skin.

Woman drove off and smashed into lorry, inquest told

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

A 22-year-old Sligo woman took off with a barman’s car before smashing into the back of a mobile concrete pump lorry at the Promenade in Salthill a crash which resulted in her death and a parking ban on certain heavy goods vehicles.

Ó Brolcháin welcomes funding for environmental projects in the city

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

Funding has been awarded to Galway youth groups, organic schemes, cycling groups, and educational projects involved in educating the community in enhancing and improving the environment.

Alcoholic sentenced to seven months for bike theft

Thu, Feb 05, 2009

An alcoholic who had been found in possession of a screwdriver and pliers after stealing a mountain bike was sentenced to seven months in jail when he appeared at Galway District Court last Monday.

E-paper

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