Ring accused of asking ‘silly questions’ in the Dáil

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

Independent Ballinrobe County Councillor Harry Walsh, who is contesting next June’s Local Elections and has declared his intention to contest the next General Election, slammed Fine Gael Deputy Michael Ring for asking “silly questions” in Dáil Éireann at a cost to the tax payer.

Claremorris gaelscoil campaign for new school

Fri, Mar 13, 2009

The parents’ committee of Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca is organising an entry in next week’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Claremorris as part of their campaign to highlight the fact that the Gaelscoil is 11 years waiting for a new school and needs it now.

Economics now engulf our politics

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

The Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis, recent opinion polls, and normal political activity are all being overshadowed by the perilous state of the economy. I have always believed that politics follows economics – to coin Bill Clinton’s phrase “It’s the economy, stupid”.

McNamara welcomes grant aid for Achill

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

Councillor Michael McNamara has welcomed the announcement by Mayo VEC of grant aid for youth clubs in the Achill area.

Ring raises query over payments made in respect of non-resident children

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

Almost €21 million was paid out by the State last year in child benefit to the parents of non-resident children, the Fine Gael Spokesperson on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Michael Ring, was told in the Dáil.

End to corruption and cronyism - Ruane

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane has called for an end to corruption and cronyism and the cosy relationships between governments and big business interests. “It is obvious, the ‘golden circle’ of the 1980s is alive and well in Irish politics and our reputation as a country is being damaged internationally,” Cllr Ruane commented.

Grassroots

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

It is, after years of coalition with the PDs, Independents and the Green Party, a party without an ideology. Good times robbed Fianna Fáil of its need to prioritise spending, projects, and resources, instead of governing with a plan or policies it just threw money at issues, groups, and troublemakers to keep everyone happy.

Now, in bad times, Fianna Fáil has no idea of what to do and it finds itself propping up a flawed economy with public money rather than trying to address the broader, more dangerous, issue of planning for the future. Fianna Fáil in government is like a pinball, careening from one crisis to the next without a goal and without a soul.

Tough times ahead, but Winters is looking to the future

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

“I’m not a career politician, I’m here to give the people a voice,” was the quick snap reaction from Fine Gael Ballina town councillor, Mark Winters when asked if he would consider running for the county council or higher office in the future. “I can bring about as much change for the better as a town councillor, I’m here to give the people a voice as long as they elect me.”

School bus service in Mayo could be crippled — Councillor O’Brien

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

As the Government begins its assault on the education sector with wide-ranging and damaging cutbacks, Cllr Patsy O’Brien has drawn attention to the issue of school transport, which he believes is a crucial element to the infrastructure of rural counties like our own, and which has now also fallen victim to the Government’s funding woes.

Holistic workshop

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

BE… is an experiential one-day workshop, looking at enhancing our holistic well-being in daily life: bringing mind, body, and spirit into greater harmony.

Parent and toddlers

Fri, Mar 06, 2009

Ballina Family Resource Centre will hold a parent, toddler, and baby group on Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm. If you are interested in joining go along. Contact 087 052 4677 or 096 75573.