Martin welcomes election spending limits

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

Labour's Keith Martin has welcomed the introduction of spending limits for the upcoming Local Elections which will range between €7,500 and €15,000 per candidate. This is the first time that limits have been applied to local elections and the period covered will be 60 days leading up to polling day, twice the period that applies in a general election.

The new rules have been introduced following the revelation that some candidates were spending up to €80,000 to win a council seat.

Leading with the left

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

“What you have to do is spend a couple of hours a week, calling back to the people you canvassed leading up to the election, to let them know you haven’t forgotten them. Not everyone will be able to come up to you if they have a problem, so it’s important to go back to them yourself to see what you can do for them.” While she hasn’t been elected yet and faces a tough battle to take one of the nine seats in Castlebar Town Council’s chamber, Labour candidate Bernie Courtney has a clear plan as to how she will stay connected with the constituents if they put their faith in her this summer.

Lower paid discriminated against while oil and gas companies let off

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

Sinn Féin County Councillor Gerry Murray has condemned the introduction of the pension levy which he claims puts the burden of Ireland’s public finances on low and medium income public workers and lets the oil and gas companies off the hook once again. He described the Government’s spin doctors as shameful in their “pathetic attempt to portray and blame public sector workers as being exclusively responsible for the current economic downturn”. Cllr Murray challenged Fianna Fáil on the fairness of the public service pension levy noting that the “sliding scale in the levy discriminates against the lower paid while the oil and gas multi-nationals go untouched.”

Cutbacks in opening hours at Mayo railway station offices not acceptable

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

Fears have been expressed that cutbacks in the opening hours at Iarnród Éireann booking offices at railway stations in County Mayo are to be implemented. This has been highlighted by the Fine Gael spokesperson on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Michael Ring.

Crisis in the dole queues, longer waits on the way — Ring

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

The Fine Gael spokesperson on community, rural, and Gaeltacht affairs Deputy Michael Ring has warned that newly unemployed people are being hung out to dry by the Government because social welfare offices in Mayo still do not have the staff levels to cope with the worsening unemployment crisis.

Live Register doubles for Mayo’s under twenty fives

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD has received confirmation from the Central Statistics Office that the Live Register in Co Mayo has more than doubled for those aged under 25 from January 2008 to January 2009. The increase was recorded at being 106.7 per cent representing an annual increase of 1,089 for those under 25.

Holmes accuses Government of holding up Achill sewerage scheme

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

Independent Councillor Michael Holmes has blamed the Department of the Environment for holding up the commencement of the Achill Sewerage Scheme because of its failure to repay €9 million to Mayo County Council.

Castlebar TV

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

A multi-channel television deflector service, which has been available in Castlebar and surrounding area since 1982, is in danger of closing down if money is not paid by those who use the system. The fee of €75, which goes towards upkeep and maintenance, the cost of the licence together with copyright, VAT, and other outlay, can be paid in the Social Service Centre, Castle Street, Castlebar, on Tuesdays or Saturdays between 11am and 2pm.

Mayo Senior Scór

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

GAA clubs all over Mayo are making a special effort this year to participate in the County Senior Scór finals as 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of Senior Scór back in 1969. The interest in the competitions means that four divisional finals are planned for Senior Scór on March 7 in Moygownagh, Breaffy, Hollymount, and Knock Hall.

Mayo Organic Group

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

Members of the Mayo Organic Group, which meets monthly at Bishop O’Healy Centre, Mayo Abbey, would like to welcome new members to their next meeting on February 19.

Common Threads

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

An exhibition of fabric craft made by eight women of different nationalities now living in Mayo has opened in the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life in Turlough.

St Patrick’s Day parade in Swinford

Fri, Feb 13, 2009

The theme for this years parade is Support Your Town and Community. It is hoped that the people of Swinford will turn out in large numbers to support the parade.

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