The incurable optimist - Johnny Mee

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

When the ballot papers are marked from first preference to last in next June’s local elections, there will be one familiar name and face missing from in the Castlebar area. After 34 years of service on Castlebar Town Council (previously the Urban District Council) and 17 years on Mayo County Council, Labour and Castlebar’s Johnny Mee has decided to step away from the council chambers and leave the political scene to a younger generation.

Barrett outlines some traffic solutions for Castlebar’s gridlock

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Castlebar Town Council must act immediately to ease the traffic gridlock in the town, according to Labour PRO Harry Barrett. “As Christmas approaches, we will see the town come to a standstill and emergency services put at risk if action is not taken,” he added.

Ring speaks out for young farmers

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Fine Gael’s spokesperson for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Michael Ring, again this week in the Dáil questioned the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, in relation to the suspension of the Young Farmers’ Installation Scheme.

O’Brien pushes for action on broadband availability

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Following an admission by Minister Eamon Ryan that the Government’s scheme to ensure nationwide access to broadband will not be completed until 2010, Councillor Patsy O’Brien has again raised the issue at a local level.

“The Government had promised that broadband would be universally available by 2005 – instead of that rural areas are still suffering, and in regards to the Ballinrobe electoral area, several villages such as Hollymount are still on the waiting list.”

‘I’ll still be active on the political scene’ - Campbell

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Sinn Féin’s Noel Campbell will not disappear off the political landscape in Mayo despite the fact he’s not allowed to run again in next year’s local elections. Current legislation disbars civil servants who hold a position higher than a clerical officer from running for public office. Campbell, who is employed by the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism, is employed at a higher grade. “It’s a pity and I’m snookered so to speak. I can’t see the government making an exception for me on this one, so I’m consigned to the fact that I will not be running again next year,” Campbell told the Mayo Advertiser this week.

Back to education scheme needed for unemployed construction workers

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Westport Sinn Féin Town Councillor Dave Keating has called on the government to introduce a back to education scheme for young construction workers.

€100,000 settlement for MEP following libel action

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

The Sunday Independent newspaper have agreed a settlement to the tune of €100,000 with Ballyhaunis MEP Jim Higgins following a libel action taken against the paper.

Higgins, and his former party colleague Ivan Yates, who secured the same settlement, took the action following articles published in 2004 which linked them to an EU milk fraud. The men understood the articles to imply they were British MI5 agents who colluded with the IRA in a multi-million-pound EU milk fraud.

O’Mahony forces Dáil debate on the closure of Harristown House

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Deputy John O’Mahony addressed Dáil Eireann on Wednesday in relation to the closing down of Harristown House, the only public alcohol and drug treatment centre in the country which is funded by the probation service.

Cathaoirleach welcomes Argentina/Ireland exchange

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

The recently announced working holiday agreement between Argentina and Ireland has been welcomed by Councillor Joe Mellett, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

Second referendum on Lisbon for the birds

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

If public servants continue to make statements and devise policies which expose the EU to ridicule, there is very little prospect that a second Lisbon referendum could be won.

CARI pub quiz

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Calling all pub quiz fans to a fun night of questions and maybe a few answers! A pub quiz will take place with John McNicholas as quiz master, in Rocky’s, Linenhall Street, Castlebar in order to raise funds for Children at Risk in Ireland.