Savings for a rainy day may all be needed for health care

Fri, Apr 13, 2012

For some time now there have been complaints that Irish people are stockpiling too much money away in savings instead of spending and keeping the economy ticking over. Some ten years ago the story was an entirely different one when the government of the day introduced an unbeatable SSIA savings scheme, offering €1 on every €4 euro saved, up to a maximum contribution of €50 per month on every €250 saved. Despite demands for this 'free money' to be stopped by some public figures who wanted it siphoned off in the direction of social welfare, the scheme ran for five years, generating an attractive €20,000+ lump sum for those fortunates who could avail of the maximum top-up.

Race is on between tourism investment and survival of retail and hospitality sectors

Fri, Apr 06, 2012

Dividends anticipated from ongoing intense investment by our government in attracting further tourism business to Ireland, may serve little purpose if there is nothing to keep people here when they come. While beautiful scenery and glorious outdoors have much to offer in their own right, without open doors in shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels to welcome those weary and seeking comfort following excursions, the allure of holidaying in Ireland may soon be lost.

A nation disgusted and distracted – but focus must return to creating jobs

Fri, Mar 23, 2012

Fianna Fail in government was corrupt. Previous findings against former Taoiseach Charles Haughey have now also been applied to other party members, specifically our own Castlebar native and ex-government minister and EU commissioner, Padraig Flynn, while ex-taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been found to have been “untruthful” relating to his financial affairs.

Give Ballina a look in this summer with a ‘Ballina Brainstorm’

Fri, Mar 09, 2012

Competition can be good; competition can be healthy; however, in the instance this week of one new music festival cancelling out a more established music festival – this result is not a good one.

Lenten season of deprivation feels only too familiar

Fri, Feb 24, 2012

As this week marked the beginning of Lent and the pre-Easter season of doing without, many were wondering what more could they do without; what is there left to give up?

The business of love kicks off Mayo’s 2012 tourist season

Fri, Feb 17, 2012

The aspirations of the good burghurs of Westport to convert the annual tourism season to a year-long affair, are being fulfilled ahead of time this year after celebrations for Valentine’s Day flooded Mayo’s tourist haven with its first major influx of visitors for 2012.

‘Magda’ story forces us to ask some difficult questions

Fri, Feb 03, 2012

Whether or not the controversial report this week about the Polish woman 'Magda' living the high life courtesy of the generous Irish social welfare system was entirely accurate or not matters little; what matters a lot however is that, just as with the 'mad and greedy' economy-crashing Irish people that our Taoiseach so readily informed the World Economic Forum about last week, much of the report contents were actually true.

People power and personal responsibility needed to resolve our woes

Fri, Jan 20, 2012

Not before time we are finally starting to think outside the box. This week a bunch of business people have come together and committed to generate work for people, by pledging jobs online. The initiative, entitled Hireland, is not designed to provide an alternative state employment agency for all and sundry, but rather is directly targeting Ireland’s skilled unemployed with a view to returning them to quality jobs.

Good news stories not only welcome but essential for survival of human spirit

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

What a boost Allergan gave the county when it announced on Monday morning the creation of 200 jobs, 250 construction jobs, and an investment of $350 million in the Westport company.

New Year is an opportunity to get back to the land

Fri, Jan 06, 2012

A new year begins and with it comes a series of mixed messages that serve to confuse rather than fortify resolve. Appeals by charities abroad for funding against famine and war reveal that while austerity may now be hitting home, these current dark times fail to compare against emergency situations where basic human needs such as food and shelter are not being met.

Farewell 2011, happy Christmas - and cheers to a great New Year 2012

Fri, Dec 23, 2011

As we bid farewell this week to 2011 and welcome in the New Year of 2012, no doubt many of us wonder – as we always do around this time – where on earth did the last year go?

Féile na Tuaithe - Turlough Park

Fri, Dec 23, 2011

It is a huge disappointment to me, and to all staff in the Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park, that Féile na Tuaithe will not be taking place in 2012. When I informed staff here last week that féile would not be going ahead, the sense of shock and disappointment was palpable. As we have been informing our sponsors and principal stakeholders, their response has also been one of shock and concern. The general sense is that this is going to be a very big loss not just to the local community around Turlough and Castlebar but to the wider community in the west of Ireland and beyond.

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