Labour’s red rose set to bloom

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Last weekend’s national Labour Party conference in Mullingar set out its platform for the forthcoming elections.

Giving people an alternative

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

With just over two months to go until the polls open and the public get to cast their ballot in the local elections, a new candidate has just entered the race in the Ballina area. This entrant has a long political history in his family and even counts a former Fianna Fáil TD as his uncle, so David Moffatt looks to have a lot going for him already. Except he’s not running on the Fianna Fáil ticket, he has embraced the red rose of Labour and will be his party’s only candidate in the highly competitive Ballina area. Moffatt himself has been involved in the Fianna Fáil party on a local level for a number of years, but his change of allegiance to the Labour party was brought about after Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore impressed him, according to the Crossmolina man. “I’ve been impressed by Eamon Gilmore’s positive message; jobs, his message of change and reform ties in with my thinking about what we need in politics now.”

Higgins welcomes EU Sky Package - cheaper and shorter flights

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins has welcomed the Single European Sky (SES) legislative package, which addresses the air transport system as a whole having a direct positive effect on air carriers, the air service industry, air traffic control, airports and the aeronautical industry, and not forgetting passengers.

Government tax on flights already proving disastrous — Kenny

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny TD has expressed his concern at the recent falls in passenger numbers experienced at Aer Lingus and Ryanair and the damage being inflicted on passenger numbers by the air travel departure tax that is proving to be disastrous for Irish tourism and business. Recently, the credit rating agency Standard & Poor declared that the tax would encourage falling numbers of airport users. County Mayo is fortunate enough to have the facility of Ireland West Airport Knock, however, this departure tax may lead to falling numbers at the airport, said Dep Kenny.

Work for local contractors with Home Energy Saving Scheme

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Green party candidate Fergus McAllister has welcomed the news that the Home Energy Saving Scheme is now open for business, not just for home owners but for qualified contractors in the west.

Lay-bys should be provided for slow moving traffic

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Slow moving traffic should be given the opportunity to pull in to allow faster traffic to proceed without unnecessary delays, according to Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Councillor Joe Mellett.

Rural broadband only good for Bebo

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

The broadband problem in Mayo is so great that the local Internet connection in many country areas, like Glenisland and Islandeady, is only good enough to allow people access Bebo, according to Labour's Harry Barrett. Over a quarter of the rural population (28 per cent) are relying on mobile broadband according to the latest EU telecoms report, as they do not have access to fixed-lines.

Ring highlights plight of Mayo schools

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

A plea has been made to the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, to put pressure on his colleague, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, to prevent the loss of teaching posts in rural schools.

Paschal Mooney to seek EU nomination

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

Popular broadcaster Paschal Mooney of Drumshanbo is seeking a nomination to contest the forthcoming European elections at the Fianna Fáil convention in Castlebar on Sunday next.

Restoration of international reputation vital for Ireland’s recovery – Flynn

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

The restoration of Ireland’s international reputation is vital for its economic recovery, according to Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn.

Erris walk

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

A walk from Aughleam to St Deribhle's Well for Women’s Day, which was postponed, will now be held on Saturday April 18.

Exhibition in Claremorris

Fri, Apr 03, 2009

The Claremorris Arts Committee will this month host an exhibition of work by local artist Bernie Prendergast. Bernie’s exhibition will be launched at a reception in the Claremorris Town Hall Gallery on Thursday April 16 and will be open for viewing until Sunday April 19.

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