Local and European Elections 2009 - Read articles

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn	Charlie McConalogue	Fiachra O'Luain	Declan Ganley	Sean Ruddy	Nicholas Crossan	Paschal Mooney

Jim Higgins	Marian McDonald	Sheenagh McMahon	Marian Harkin	Daren Lalor	Martin Farren	Ciaran McGuinness

Cllr Padraig MacLochlainn 29.05.09

"We're still letting vulnerable children down"
EU candidate Cllr Padraig MacLochlainn has called for constitutional protection for children's rights in light of the horrific revelations of endemic abuse outlined in the Ryan Report. Cllr MacLochlainn said the revelations about the systematic brutalising of children in residential care, reaffirmed the need to enshrine the rights of children in the Constitution. Such a step would "mark a break by the State with a shameful past".
“The Constitution sets the basis for legislation and policy in the State. The message we send out by not giving explicit protection to the rights of the child in the Constitution is that the welfare of children does not matter.
"Giving constitutional protection to the rights of children would mark a break by the State with a shameful past characterised by the neglect and abuse of the most vulnerable children." Cllr MacLochlainn said
“Still today services for children are underfunded – out of hours services are unavailable. Children in care still go missing. On Wednesday, we had a conviction for the killing of a girl who went missing from the care of Health Services Executive in 2006. This State is still letting down vulnerable children and young people. This is an absolute disgrace," added the Sinn Féin councillor.
“Those who were abused in State institutions deserve justice and proper compensation for the horrors they were forced to ensure. The religious orders must be compelled to increase the amount which they agreed to pay in the totally inadequate indemnity deal agreed with the Government.
“It is also crucial that this State protects children today and in the future. Services for the protection of children must be funded properly and under no circumstances should tight financial circumstances be used as an excuse to cut these serves. The rights of children must be given constitutional protection.”

Batty Connell 27.05.09

Connell calls for rates cuts
GREENCASTLE-based local election candidate Batty Connell has called on Donegal County Council to cut commercial and water rates in a bid to help Inishowen businesses weather the recession.
He was among those who attended last week's meeting in Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa convened by its managing director Cecil Doherty.
"The purpose of the meeting was to try to divert the imminent demise of small businesses in Inishowen," said Mr Connell.
"A hotelier pointed out that one of the biggest problems facing businesses is excessive commercial rates imposed by the Government and extortionate water rates." The hotelier told the crowd he was paying €100,000 combined commercial and water rates on his premises and got little in return. He didn't get his bins emptied or his streets swept. He said his water rates exceeded his oil bill, said Mr Connell.
Mr Connell said a builder supplier said he couldn't tender for State contracts jobs let alone land one.
He said he would need a €7m Indemnity Bond from a bank to be submitted with his tender. He didn't have this facility while he also had a 6.5% differential VAT rate and a sterling/euro exchange rate to contend with as well.
"Is it any wonder that the traders in Donegal feel less than confident that they are being fully supported by the local and national Government at present?" asked Mr Connell.
"Unless the Government comes to the assistance of businesses in Inishowen immediately the ranks of the unemployed will go on swelling. Commercial rates and water rates must be slashed immediately."

Cllr Daren Lalor 22.05.09

"Take ownership of your Council"
BUNCRANA Sinn Féin town councillor Daren Lalor is encouraging members of the public to start attending the monthly Buncrana Town Council meetings.
Cllr Lalor said it was clear from his recent canvassing that many locals had a "strong interest and knowledge of local issues".
"So, I’m again calling on the community to take ownership of their local council and attend monthly meetings," he said.
At present, individuals, community and voluntary groups may request a meeting with the Town Council at a statutory monthly meeting. Cllr Lalor said it was imperative such individuals and groups continue to seek such meetings and explore other avenues for community participation. "While I acknowledge there is limited space in the chamber I still would call on members of the public to come along and attend the Buncrana Town Council meetings at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of ever month."

Sheenagh McMahon 22.05.09

Green economy "taking off"
INISHOWEN Green Party candidate Sheenagh McMahon has welcomed the establishment of a task force to identify what is needed to develop Ireland's 'green economy'. The group will report back to Government after four months. Ms McMahon said her party had made "considerable progress" over the last two years in Government. "A crucial step going forward is co-ordination of the green economy so that Government departments, state agencies and businesses can interact in a cohesive manner in developing green enterprises and jobs," she said. She also welcomed the announcement earlier this week of new 'green' courses such as the new sustainable energy courses. "These courses are important for upskilling and re-training those who have lost their jobs in recent times. There is no doubting the green economy is taking off," Ms McMahon added.

Declan Ganley 21.05.09

Libertas posters "mysteriously" disappear
THOUSANDS of election posters belonging to Libertas have been mysteriously disappearing and are being replaced with posters of the other candidates, according to Declan Ganley. Galway City, Donegal Town, and various other areas in the North and West constituency have been badly hit.
“Some people cannot bear to be challenged and are reduced to removing election posters in order to try and damage my campaign," said Mr Ganley.
"We always knew that this would happen, but the blatant and orchestrated way in which it is occurring is particularly disappointing. The attempt to stifle debate and discussion is worrying.
"However, I consider this only a distraction. I hereby challenge the other candidates to debate on the real issues affecting this constituency which is economic recovery and job creation. Its time for ideas not underhand election tactics," he added.

Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn 21.05.09

MacLochlainn criticises 'Cope's' marine record
SINN FÉIN North West EU candidate Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn has accused Deputy Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher of "criminalising" small fishermen.
He was speaking after challenging the former marine junior minister during a radio debate on his support for the controversial Sea Fisheries Bill.
“The fact is that Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher was Minister of State for the Marine when this Bill was being drafted and tabled before the Dáil,” Cllr. MacLochlainn said.
“He may have subsequently abandoned his post - and our fishermen - but he can’t change the fact that he and his cronies in Government are responsible for this excessive and totally unfair legislation which criminalised honest fishermen the length and breadth of Ireland.
“Pat’s political revisionism won’t wash with the people of Donegal who know that he was central to the Fianna Fáil Government that decimated and criminalised our fishing industry," added Cllr MacLochlainn. Meanwhile, on a separate issue, the Sinn Féin councillor welcomed a new economic study which found that the proposed Sligo-Donegal-Letterkenny-Derry rail link could attract between 350,000 and 750,000 passengers per year. The report was published by national sustainable transport campaigner and researcher Brian Guckian who concluded that the rail-link could also generate revenues exceeding €10 million. “This reports vindicates much of what Sinn Féin has been arguing around the need for a cohesive transport infrastructure in the North West,” he said.

Fiachra Ó Luain 21.05.09

Ó Luain discusses politics with Dr Eamon Casey
INDEPENDENT European candidate Fiachra Ó Luain has spoken to retired bishop Dr Eamon Casey about the North West and its future in Europe. Dr Casey and the young Independent candidate met each other on the Iarnród Éireann service from Athlone to Galway on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4. During the hour-long journey, the two men discussed how Ireland has changed in the past 20 years and the significance of the Peace Process. Ó Luain attended Saleen National School in East Cork, a school that was once in Dr Casey’s Kerry diocese. Meanwhile, Mr Ó Luain revealed that he has received the support of a US Congressman. Congressman William Delahunt offered to financially help the 27 year old’s bid for election to the EU Parliament during a Massachusetts State dinner to honour Ó Luain’s uncle John J. Bangert on May 2.

Sean Ruddy 21.05.09

Ruddy fears for Inishowen businesses
CARNDONAGH local election candidate Sean Ruddy has expressed concern for the survival of small businesses in Inishowen describing some banks actions as ‘unforgiving’. Mr Ruddy said he was recently approached by a local business person in the Inishowen area who was recently advised by his bank's financial advisor that they were no longer willing to facilitate his overdraft. Mr Ruddy said he was shocked to hear reports from the businessman of 15 years that his overdraft would be cancelled "with immediate effect" due to his financial performance in the last six months. "I learned that the business person, who had never looked for support from the bank in the past and has been a loyal customer for the entire duration of (his) business life, was presented with a stark ultimatum.
"This was to either repay the overdraft by taking out a business loan at a minimum rate of 17% interest or avail of a private loan at a rate of 2% with asset security attached i.e. property deeds etc. to the value of the overdraft.
"As a small businessman myself, I can relate to this person's plight," said Mr Ruddy. It comes at a time when the Government has pledged taxpayers' money to the financial institutions in a bid to ensure the future of small businesses amidst an economic crisis. I believe this to be a very worrying development for the Inishowen area."

Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher 12.05.09

'The Cope' to run for Europe
DONEGAL former Minister of State, Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher has confirmed he will run in the EU elections for Fianna Fáil in the North West.
However, the decision has angered former Senator Paschal Mooney because both candidates are based in the north of the constituency. Mr Gallagher had earlier conceded that a Cope-Mooney ticket would be imbalanced. He now says that on reflection the geographical issue is a "psychological" one. Senator Cecilia Keaveney welcomed Mr Gallagher's decision to run. She said he was known in Donegal as "a good communicator and a hard worker".

MEP Jim Higgins 12.05.09

Car importers need more time
THE European Commission has told Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West, Jim Higgins, that Irish residents must be given at least seven days to register cars recently imported from Britain and elsewhere. The Commission also said drivers must be given at least one warning before vehicles are impounded.
"Many people in Ireland especially the border counties of Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan have been told they must register their vehicle within 24 hours by revenue officials. In many cases this is just not workable but is grossly unfair. Once I heard that revenue officials were pressurising people and scaremongering on the issue of VRT I raised the issue with the European Commission," said Mr Higgins. He said he had received a response from Laslo Kovacs, the Commissioner in charge of taxation and customs, who said 24 hours was so short a time period, it made it impossible or "excessively difficult" to comply with the requirements imposed.

Charlie McConalogue 12.05.09

McConalogue in speech therapy call
FIANNA Fáil local election candidate Charlie McConalogue has demanded answers on the lack of speech therapy services for children in Inishowen.
“Since I began canvassing I have come across a serious lack of speech therapy services for children in Inishowen. Parents have expressed their frustration and anger at the lengthy waiting times for and between appointments and the inconsistency in service delivery as therapists are changing all the time," said Mr McConalogue.
“Just this week I spoke to one parent who was extremely upset to learn that their child’s speech therapist is leaving the post. This is the second therapist to do so within a year. This parent was informed that a replacement therapist will be assigned to their child in the autumn but this is only the beginning of May," he said. He said he had contacted the HSE, relevant Ministers and Dáil representatives in Donegal in a bid to get a solution to the problem.

Ciaran McGuinness 12.05.09

SINN Féin candidate for Buncrana Town Council, Ciaran McGuinness, has called for a tourism marketing strategy for the seaside town. He said one such strategy should be developed and implemented within the term of the next town council. “In this economic uncertainty, the tourism industry can play a major role in the economic success and development of Buncrana and the surrounding areas and Buncrana Town Council has to position itself so that we have the right strategy in place so that we benefit from any economic upturn," said Mr McGuinness.
"In the case of well-established tourism centres on this island such as Galway, Belfast and Bundoran, visitors have a clear, positive image of what these places offer them as a holiday destination. That is what the next Buncrana Town Council goal should be with regards to attracting visitors.
“If elected I, along with my Sinn Féin colleagues, will continue to push this to the top of the council agenda."

Sheenagh McMahon 12.05.09

Eco-activists urged to seek funding
LOCAL Green Party candidate Sheenagh McMahon has urged environmental activists in Inishowen to apply for EU funding to support projects on nature conservation and education. €1.7 billion will be provided by the EU in a programme designed to educate people on environmental matters. "I will make myself available to help these projects make an application and will work closely with groups to ensure they receive the funding they deserve," said Ms McMahon.

Paschal Mooney 12.05.09

Mooney demands Ireland-EU drug strategy
EU Fianna Fail candidate Paschal Mooney has called for Ireland to co-operate more fully in Europe to combat international drug trafficking. "We live in an internal market where a system of free movement of people exists within the 27 different member states of the European Union. That is the primary reason why our police forces must co-operate to stop illegal drug trafficking," said Mr Mooney.
“Cocaine is coming into Europe from South America and heroin is coming into Europe from Afghanistan.
“90% of all heroin sold in Ireland, both in rural and urban areas, comes directly from Afghanistan. We all sadly know the damage that is being to done to those who use illegal drugs aswell as the damage that is caused to families and friends of drug users and to local communities," he said, welcoming the EU Drugs Action Plan 2009 - 2012.

Fiachra Ó Luain 08.05.09

National press eludes Ó Luain
CARN-born European election candidate Fiachra Ó Luain has said he has not yet been acknowledged by the national press despite his "consistent" campaign since the launch of his campaign on March 17. The 27 year old Independent candidate said his running for the EU Parliament was a 'litmus test of Irish and European democracy". "I have yet to be acknowledged by the national press but I congratulate and thank the local press of the Ireland North West constituency for their much fairer coverage," he said.

Cllr. Pádraig MacLochlainn 08.05.09

SF unveil recession-beating proposals
NORTH West EU candidate, Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn has joined Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Mary Lou McDonald for the launch of the party’s 10 point plan for supporting workers through the recession. Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn said: “Irish workers are being forced to carry the can for the economic crisis. Fianna Fáil continues to punish working families and the low paid for (Government) mistakes. But the current crisis offers the people an opportunity – an opportunity to reshape this state." The 10 proposals include a €300m jobs retention fund to subsidise workers in struggling but viable SMEs; an increase in the school leaving age to 17 and a scheme to get early school leavers back into education. The 10 would also take minimum wage earners back out of the tax net. Construction workers would also be helped with key infrastructure projects including the building of 125 schools a year between 2010 and 2013.

Charlie McConalogue 08.05.09

McConalogue welcomes summer works
LOCAL election candidate for Fianna Fáil, Charlie McConalogue, has welcomed news that Carndonagh Community School is to get funding under this year’s summer works scheme. “The Summer Works Scheme is returning this year after a 12 month deferral period and covers school projects such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacement and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works," he said. The Carn school will get funding for roof repairs while St Oran’s NS in Buncrana will also get funding for electrical works.

Cllr. Daren Lalor 08.05.09

"Shameful" irony of Hanafin cuts
BUNCRANA Sinn Féin Town councillor Daren Lalor has described the decision to cut Child Benefit payments for all as a "shameful attack" on working families.
Cllr Lalor said struggling families were, once again, been forced to pay the heaviest price for the mistakes of the selected chosen few. "It’s shameful that Mary Hanafin, the Minister who will oversee the cuts in Child Benefit, will get retirement benefit from three State pensions. Surely the irony of this will not be lost on her and her Cabinet colleagues," said Cllr Lalor.

MEP Marian Harkin 08.05.09

Harkin demands no VEC cutbacks
INDEPENDENT MEP Marian Harkin had demanded that no cutbacks be made in the training and education programmes operated by Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) and FAS. "Where demand exists they must be expanded," she said. Ms Harkin also called for an exemption for VECs from reducing their middle management posts to ensure the "effective delivery of services" to those who will be seeking employment opportunities when economic recovery occurs. “The government must prepare now to ensure that the country is in a position with appropriately educated workers to take full advantage when the recovery period commences," added Ms Harkin.

Cllr. Daren Lalor 29.04.09

"Alarming" rise in Donegal sex abuse
BUNCRANA Sinn Fein Cllr Daren Lalor has expressed concern at the alarming increase in sexual assault across Donegal.
Figures from the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crises Centre show that the number of rapes in the county has risen by 40% with reported sexual assaults up 30%. "This is a terrible trend and a trend that needs to be reduced," said Cllr Lalor.
It was even more worrying given that the figure under-represented the problem with many victims opting not to report sexual attacks, he said.
"This is a terrible crime and I would urge anybody who finds themselves in this position to seek some sort of counselling or professional advice. It is imperative that victims of sexual assault do not suffer in silence.
"The reality is domestic abuse is a silent crime that devastates the lives of those living in perpetual fear of their abusers," added Cllr Lalor.
He called on all elected representatives to ensure that adequate resources were given to organisations like Donegal Sexual Abuse and rape crises centres, Inishowen Women’s Outreach and Donegal Domestic Violence Services.
"They need more resources. They have achieved a lot and I applaud them on that, but it is obvious that more resources are needed and it is now time for the HSE and other Government agencies to raise the bar."

Sean Ruddy 29.04.09

Moville meeting to discuss job creation
SINN Fein local election candidate for North Inishowen, Sean Ruddy, has called a public meeting in Moville in early May to discuss the economic downturn and "getting the country back to work". The meeting will take place in Moville's Temperance Hall on Monday, May 4, at 7.30pm. The meeting will discuss the party's employment and enterprise manifesto. The document contains more than 80 proposals that Sinn Fein are needed to sustain existing jobs and create new ones.
"Unemployment has reached disastrous levels in Inishowen. More than 4,000 people are now signing on across the peninsula and over the last year, more than 40 new people joined the dole queues every week in Inishowen," said Mr Ruddy.
"The Government needs a three-year plan to hold on to or create the Inishowen jobs and the 1,000 jobs a day that are being lost across the state. This must include stopping job losses, creating new jobs, keeping people in education and stimulating consumer spending."

Fiachra O'Luain 29.04.09

O'Luain issues public debate invitation
EUROPEAN election candidate Fiachra O Luain has invited all sitting MEPs and fellow candidates for the North West constituency to a public debate in Buncrana on June 4. Mr O Luain, from Carndonagh, issued his invitation to all the candidates in open letters sent by email this week. The debate is being planned for the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana at 12pm the day before the election.

MEP Jim Higgins 24.04.09

"Lisfannon erosion needs EU remedy"
FINE Gael MEP Jim Higgins has called on Donegal County Council to look for EU funding to halt coastal erosion at Lisfannon beach. Mr Higgins said that a more expensive long term remedy is needed after recent efforts by the Council proved unsuccessful.
"The ongoing erosion at Lisfannon threatens the future of one of Inishowen's most popular beaches. As the Council's recent efforts have failed to stop erosion at the beach, it is time to look at the possibility of creating a permanent erosion prevention structure," said Mr Higgins.
"I have found that four areas in Wales recently received EU funding to the tune of £17 million for coastal erosion and flood protection measures. I see no reason why Donegal County Council should not be approaching the EU as well, to seek funding for measures which are now urgently needed on site.
"I will be contacting the Council in the coming days to ascertain what exactly their plan for Lisfannon is and if they have approached the EU or applied for funding via an appropriate EU funding programme."
*Meanwhile, Mr Higgins has said the new EU Green Paper on the Common Fisheries Policy offers a "real opportunity" for fishermen from Greencastle and Killybegs to get a fairer deal when it comes to EU policy.
He was speaking this week in Strasbourg following the publication of the Green Paper by Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg. Commissioner Borg said the current system was failing and that something new was needed. Mr Higgins promised to hold talks with fishing organisations in Donegal to ensure their views formed a central part of the new Common Fisheries Policy proposals.

Sheenagh McMahon 24.04.09

"We can't reach Porthaw beach"
GREEN Party local election candidate Sheenagh McMahon has called for better access to Inishowen beaches after a number of families and elderly people approached her with concerns.
Ms McMahon said access to Porthaw Beach in Buncrana, was a particular concern.
"The slipway leading to this beach is broken and damaged by the sea, which means people using wheelchairs or buggies have great difficulty accessing the beach without putting themselves at risk," she said.
"It's a shame that Porthaw Beach cannot be enjoyed by all, particularly when it wouldn't cost very much to improve the existing slipway. I'm afraid it's an issue all over Inishowen." The Buncrana Town Council and county candidate added: "Inishowen heavily depends on tourism. Therefore it is not acceptable that access points to any of our beaches are not being properly maintained."

Cllr. Nicholas Crossan 24.04.09

People want change says Crossan
Independent councillor to contest county and town council elections
INDEPENDENT councillor Nicholas Crossan has suggested that many voters in the peninsula are anxious to vote for a candidate who is not tied to party affiliations and who will voice their concerns.
The Buncrana Town Councillor, who confirmed that he had been approached by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to contest the election for them, said he preferred to maintain his independent voice and felt that many people in Inishowen were looking for a candidate like him.
“There is a lot of anger out there and it is everybody from the young man on the dole to the pensioner and these people are looking for a voice to express their concerns.”
The independent candidate said he was aware that a pact exists between the main parties in the council in Lifford, but said he was opposed to any such agreement.
“I don’t believe in pacts or parties, I believe in representing the people and not in cosy cartels and I honestly believe that there will be more independent councillors in the council after these elections and they could well hold the balance of power.”
The local councillor said he would be looking for just a fair crack of the whip for Inishowen.
“The job of the councillor is to put the infrastructure in place for the people who live here and to try to attract jobs here but there are some areas that are hard to explain. For instance there are homes in the Illies carrying water even though the water from the pollan dam is running through their land and there are stretches of road on the Inishowen 100 supposed to be geared towards bringing tourists in a terrible state.”
Councillor Crossan insisted that money has been squandered during the best ten years the country has ever seen and new voices are needed to ensure the county can recover.
“I would adopt a business-like approach to this and I would cut down on the numbers of meetings that have been taking away planners and officials and directors for a day at a time.”
He also said he would press to ensure that the public would have greater access to speak with council officials.
Stressing that he had learned from his 1999 campaign when he contested both town and county council elections, councillor Crossan said he now has a dedicated team of canvassers, something he didn’t have last time.
“I am aware that I am fighting two very different campaigns in the town and county council, but I will also be looking for a lot of votes in the greater Buncrana area. That said, I am well known across the peninsula and while that means nothing unless I can get out and actually ask people for their vote, I fully intend to cover as much of the peninsula as possible in the weeks ahead,” he concluded.

MEP Marian Harkin 20.04.09

Harkin livid at abortion allegation
NORTH and West MEP Marian Harkin has called on Libertas candidate Declan Ganley to refute an assertion allegedly made by some of his canvassers in Sligo recently that she is a supporter of abortion.
Speaking at the launch of her European Parliament Election campaign which was launched by former European Parliament President Pat Cox in Balygawley, Co. Sligo on Sunday, April 19, Ms Harkin said that she was appalled that any canvasser for any candidate would make such a "false and unfounded allegation".
"I am and always have been a pro-life person. I had hoped that Mr Ganley’s imported spin doctors would not have engaged in the type of dubious campaign which they have specialised in abroad but, just in case these canvassers were on a solo run, I will give Mr Ganley an opportunity to provide assurances that using the abortion issue in such a disgraceful way is not either his official or unofficial policy," she said.
“I would ask Mr. Ganley to unequivocally and immediately clarify his position and instruct his canvassers to cease either directly, or by inference, to mislead the electorate about my position on abortion," she added.
The sitting MEP said the election canvass required a debate on relevant issues "rather than those identified in expensive focus group sessions as likely to deliver positive results where target groups were susceptible to disinformation”.
“The key issue in this election is confidence, confidence in the EU to provide the broad stable economic framework within which Ireland can operate. This includes a stable currency, low interest rates, and a market of 500 million people for Irish goods," she added.

Sheenagh McMahon 20.04.09

McMahon slates recycling eyesore
INISHOWEN Green Party candidate Sheenagh McMahon has blamed Donegal County Council for a "rubbish dump" at the bottle banks in Buncrana.
"When people drop off their waste glass and cans they have nowhere to put the leftover boxes used to carry the waste, resulting in a stack of used cardbord being abandoned at the site.
"This is short-sighted of the Council which should be collecting cardboard at this site too," said Ms McMahon.
She also said the location was doing nothing to promote Buncrana to tourists and visitors. "This bottle bank is located on a main route into Buncrana, near the tourist office and a restaurant and pub. "We should be encouraging people to recycle and that means providing facilities which work.
"Donegal County Council needs to use its head on this occasion and get out from behind their desks and come and look at the site. Before long the site will be a rubbish tip." Meanwhile, Ms McMahon welcomed the announcement by the ESB that up to 6,000 jobs and training opportunities will be created through green projects and initiatives. The ESB has confirmed that 3,700 jobs will be created in the areas of wind energy, smart networks and smart metering, electric vehicles, construction and energy servicing.

MEP Jim Higgins 20.04.09

Higgins welcomes water cash
FINE Gael MEP Jim Higgins has learned that EU funding is now available to Irish local authorities for water conservation work such as repairing leaks and upgrading the water system. Two different sources of funding are currently available and Mr Higgins has called on the Government to help local authorities to access these funds. The EU has committed €8 billion to water management and distribution up to 2013.
“Local authorities like all of us are facing tough financial times and do not have the financial ability to fund badly-needed projects such as repairing leaks and upgrading old inefficient systems," he said. “Local authorities should be drawing down EU funds when and where they are available. Water conservation work needs to happen. If it doesn't, it means businesses will be paying higher charges as local authorities are forced to source more water due to leaks in the system."

Charlie McConalogue 19.04.09

Culdaff in broadband wilderness
FIANNA Fáil local election candidate Charlie McConalogue has described as "unacceptable" responses received from eircom and the Department of Communications in relation to broadband for areas such as Gleneely and Culdaff.
“Communications Minister Eamon Ryan recently announced the National Broadband Scheme, asserting that 100% broadband coverage would be achieved across the country by September 2010," said Mr McConalogue.
“In Inishowen, the National Broadband Scheme covers the Dunaff, Carthage, Malin and Ardmalin District Electoral Divisions (DED’s) and will see broadband delivered to each home and business in the area. While this is a very positive and welcome development for these DED’s, it will not have any impact in areas outside of this." He said he has written to eircom and the Minister for Communications querying plans for the delivery of broadband to the Gleneely and Culdaff areas.
“I received the response from eircom that they do not plan to upgrade the Gleneely and Culdaff exchanges as it is ‘economically unviable’ for them to do so," he said.
“This is not an acceptable position and I will not be standing for it. The North West Electronics Service is only available to those who have line of sight to the company’s wireless masts and is of no benefit to a large proportion of homes.
"Either eircom or the National Broadband Scheme has to step up to the mark and ensure that all homes are covered," he added.

Sheenagh McMahon 16.04.09

McMahon welcomes spending limits
INISHOWEN Green Party candidate Sheenagh McMahon has welcomed the introduction of local election spending limits announced by her colleague, Minister John Gormley.
Under the limits, each candidate must record the cost of everything they use in their campaign, including posters, leaflets, merchandise and advertising.
"It is in everybodys interest that there should be clear and reasonable spending limits as this ensures a level playing field for all candidates and the most democratic outcome," said Ms McMahon.
"In the competitive atmosphere at an election, parties and candidates can be drawn into a spiral of competitive spending which can serve no real purpose other than to run the risk of needless increased expenditure."
Ms McMahon also welcomed stricter controls on election posters. The time period during which candidates can exhibit election posters has now been clarified - local and European election candidates can only erect posters from May 6, which is 30 days before the polling date. All posters must be removed by June 12.
Meanwhile, the Buncrana-based candidate who is running for seats on both Buncrana Town Council and the Inishowen electoral area committee of Donegal County Council urged people to vote. She urged those not already on the electoral register to get their names on the supplementary electoral register by contacting their local authorities for a an application form. The final date for the receipt of completed supplement application forms by County Councils is Monday, May 18, 2009.

Cllr. Marian McDonald 15.04.09

Coal thieves strike in Greencastle
INISHOWEN householders and holiday homeowners are being warned about credit-crunch burglars who are targeting coal bunkers and domestic oil tanks. The warning, from Cllr Marian McDonald, follows a number of incidents in the Greencastle area in recent days. Cllr McDonald said Easter was "ruined" for one family who arrived at their holiday home for the Bank Holiday only to find their filled coal bunker gone while the domestic oil tank was also tampered with. In a separate incident, a nearby farmer suffered the theft of a tonne of fertiliser, worth €400, from his property. Councillor McDonald urged holiday homeowners as well as locals to be vigilant to the ongoing spate of burglaries.
"I had been contacted by one lady who was distraught when she arrived at her holiday home to find her coal bunker, which was full of coal, gone. The oil was also tampered with," said Cllr McDonald. She said the theft of the coal bunker and the fertiliser had to have been planned.
"This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision as (the coal bunkers and tonne of fertiliser) were bulky and not easily moved. I would like to appeal to everyone to contact the Gardai immediately if they notice anything suspicious going on in the area."

Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn 15.04.09

MacLochlainn addresses Brussels seminar
SINN Féin EU candidate, Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn will today call for a "new treaty for new times" when he address a Brussels conference on the Lisbon Treaty.
He says he will outline the concerns of the Irish people that led to the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. Cllr MacLochlainn accused the Government of playing on Irish people's insecurities about the future economy in order to get a 'Yes' vote in the next Lisbon Treaty referendum. “The truth is that the very ideology and ideas that form the basis of the Lisbon Treaty are part of the problem.
"The culture of vested interest and big business lobbyists in the corridors of Brussels need to be confronted. It is the interests of these lobbyists that insured a privatisation and anti-workers rights agenda was at the heart of the Lisbon Treaty," he said.
“Their fingerprints were all over the EU Constitution rejected by people on the ground and those fingerprints remained firmly on the Lisbon Treaty, a slightly amended version of the Constitution. The very people, who have led our world economy into global recession through unbridled greed and reckless speculation, inspired the Lisbon Treaty."
The Buncrana-based councillor said the Irish Government had been given a "decisive mandate" to return to their European partners and negotiate a better deal.
"They have not honoured that mandate. The "deal" outlined by the Government in Brussels does not address the substantive concerns raised by the electorate. The broader issue of the EU's democratic deficit, its erosion of workers' rights and public services, its emerging foreign and defence policy agendas, and its promotion of free trade over fair trade will not be addressed," he claimed.
"The people of Ireland and Europe deserve better than the Lisbon Treaty. We need a new treaty for new times.”

MEP Jim Higgins 09.04.09

Higgins outlines Inishowen priorities
FINE GAEL MEP Jim Higgins has outlined his manifesto for Inishowen as he prepares to defend his seat on June 5. He describes the following as among his priorities for the peninsula:
*I want drivers punished for cross border road traffic offences and for Ireland to embrace the Cross Border Road Traffic Directive.
*I am very passionate about road safety. In the last 18 months I have begun to focus on technological advances for road safety. I also want VAT reductions for safety features on all vehicles.
*I am fighting to save the Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly ferry services by pushing for EU funds.
*I will be pushing for the EU to help develop our ports and increase the number of passenger vessels visiting the west coast. I will also be pushing for more EU funds to be provided to support businesses and tourism along inland waterways.
*I want to develop the potential of Malin Head and the wider peninsula as a sustainable tourism destination.
*I willl push for eco-tourism funding and marketing and lower VAT for pubs, cafe, restaurants and hotels.
*Rail - the Western Rail Corridor is hugely important. However, Counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan have no rail despite the need to provide every county in Ireland with a railway line. I will be pushing the EU to support the development of rail in the Border counties and for the Government and CIE to draw down funds to re-open viable stations and to upgrade existing ones."

Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn 09.04.09

MacLochlainn slates "disgraceful" levy
SINN FÉIN candidate for the North West EU constituency, Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn, has accused the Government of "targeting the low paid" while failing to introduce measures to stem rising unemployment.
Cllr MacLochlainn also expressed concern at the Budget's "implications for the border, midlands and western region" in terms of regional and local roads
“It is clear that people are willing to shoulder their fair share of the burden to get us through our current economic crisis. Tuesday wasn’t so much about what the Government did as what they didn’t do – what they didn’t do to stem unemployment and create jobs, what they didn’t do to ensure that those who have most and made most during the Celtic Tiger years carry the greatest burden." He described as "disgraceful" the 2% income levy on people earning just over €15,000 per annum. People on such low wages...are barely getting by. Is the Government really saying that it is is fair that these people be asked to pay an income levy at the same rate as someone earning €50,000 per year?" He said the Cabinet should have removed the PRSI ceiling instead of brining minimum wage earners into the tax net. "They should have introduced a 48% tax rate for those earning more than €100,000 a year," he added. He said Finance Minister Brian Lenihan had failed in relation to job creation. "The Government are cutting €200 million from the environment budget, principally social housing and water infrastructure; they are cutting €54 million from the school build programme; they are cutting €13 million from sustainable energy and energy research programmes and they are cutting €300 million from public transport. "If the Government is serious about addressing the unemployment crisis and improving competitiveness they should be doing the exact opposite of what was announced on Budget day."

MEP Sean O’Neachtain and Paschal Mooney 07.04.09

O'Neachtain and Mooney run for Europe
SEAN O’Neachtain MEP and Paschal Mooney have been selected by Fianna Fáil to contest the European Elections in the North and West constituency on June 5.
Sean O’Neachtain stressed the importance of the European Union in the Irish economic recovery process. “It is clearly in Ireland's economic interest to stay at the heart of the European Union project. Now more than ever, we need the European Union. Moving away from Europe and detaching ourselves from the European Union project simply sends out the wrong message to international investors."
His running mate, Paschal Mooney, added: “I am proud of my roots as a Leitrim man and I look forward to working with the Fianna Fáil organisation in the North and West to contest this election."

Fiachra O'Luain 07.04.09

O'Luain welcomes Labour opponent
THE Fiachra for Europe Campaign has welcomed the announcement of Susan O’Keeffe's candidacy for Labour in the EU elections for the North and West constituencey. "As a journalist Ms. O’Keeffe will bring many welcome perspectives on the relevant issues. Despite our clear differences with regard the constitutionality of a second Lisbon Treaty, the Fiachra For Europe Campaign believes that the entry of a Labour candidate in the race will ultimately strengthen the important ‘North Western Consensus’ that we are currently building.
"O’Keeffe has the courage of her convictions and that is the type of candidate that all parties ought to be fielding. We need to put the backbone and heart back into Irish political debate," he said.

Sean Ruddy 07.04.09

SINN FÉIN local election candidate Sean Ruddy has described as "a list of shame" the league table of 1,145 schools waiting for new buildings or extensions. Of the 1,145, a total of 51 schools are in County Donegal. “The fact that there are 1145 schools across the State that are just sitting on a waiting list with no progress been envisaged after ten years of the Celtic Tiger, is an indictment of Government policy.
"At a time of unprecedented wealth and massive budget surpluses this Government decided instead of investing in our children to invest in the property developers and the greedy bankers," said Mr Ruddy. Among those on the list are Clochar Padraig Naofa Carndonagh and Scoil Naomh Padraig Boys' School in Carndonagh.

Declan Ganley 07.04.09

Ganley appeals to North West voters
Open Letter: "After some consideration, I have decided to ask the voters in Ireland North West to give me the chance to represent them in the European Parliament.
Over the last five years, Rivada Networks, a company I founded in Galway in 2001, has expanded and now supplies life-saving equipment to 17 US States. Rivada was based on a simple idea – that ambulance, fire, police, coast guard and rescue workers should be able to speak to each other quickly and easily in a time of emergency, be that a hurricane, earthquake or terrorist attack. Our equipment has been used to save lives in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and our team has been awarded for their life-saving actions (Louisiana Distinguished Service Medal). Neither I, nor any company I have founded or been involved with has ever supplied the US military, or anyone else, with equipment for use in conflict situations. I would never be party to, or support any initiative which would involve the taking of human life.
My company, and my team, has a wonderful record. Because of the work we do, people are alive today who would otherwise have died. Regardless of the outcome of this election, I will always be proud that a company founded by Irish people in a small Galway office went on to make a real difference in a far away part of the world where people needed our help. For some reason, our current MEPs and political parties think Rivada Networks’ success in business is something I should be ashamed of. There is no doubt in my mind that these and other smears would not have been circulated if I had taken a different side in the Lisbon debate last year.
Libertas, which I founded, is running candidates across Europe. We stand for a stronger, democratic, European Union, based on the idea that the people are the bosses, not the bureaucrats. I am asking the people for a job. I believe my experience in business in Europe and the US will be an asset to the North West. I believe we need political change in this country, and that we need new leadership. In the end, it is the people’s decision. I look forward to meeting as many of them as possible in the coming weeks."

*Declan Ganley will host a public meetingThe Plaza, Main Street, Buncrana on Wednesday, April 8, at 12.30 p.m

Fiachra O'Luain 07.04.09

Carn fundraiser for O'Luain
Fiachra O'Luain will host an 'Easter Sunday Music' fundraiser for his campaign in the Arch Inn, Carndonagh, starting at 2pm. Fiddle legend Dinny McLaughlin and Keenan Barrett will entertain. It will be followed in the evening by The Carn Consortium described by the EU candidate as "a collection of some of Inishowen’s best rock artists" Special guest will be Rowland Scherman, photographer of The Beatles, the Doors and Janis Joplin to name but some.

Charlie McConalogue 07.04.09

Driving test time halved
THE waiting time for a driving test in Inishowen is now less that half the wait two years ago, says FF candidate, Charlie McConalogue. “Two years ago the average waiting time for a driving test in Buncrana was 15 weeks, and that has now reduced to just six weeks. This is a very necessary reduction and is well below the national average."

Fiachra O'Luain 07.04.09

Fiachra O'Luain
EUROPEAN candidate Fiachra O'Luain has hit out at suggestions that there is little demand for a Sligo - Donegal -Derry rail connection describing it as "just another Dublin myth". "I actually think it would be logical a solution to the congestion of cities, like Galway and Dublin. Even Letterkenny, has half hour traffic jams these days and was the fastest growing town in Europe over the past 10 years. Many people continue to ignore these facts.
"Why can't someone living in Ballybofey be able to work in Sligo and only travel an hour each morning by train? It's exactly what happens all over Europe. When I worked in Hamburg people would come from Kiel to work and back every day, why don't we demand it? I just think that the only thing holding an initiative back for returning Donegal to a railway county is the Dublin-stipulated view of Donegal as a cul-de-sac of the Republic instead of the massive thoroughfare of traffic for the border region that it truly is," he said.

Charlie McConalogue 07.04.09

McConalogue in car park call
CARNDONAGH'S newest car park is in urgent need of proper surfacing, according to local Fianna Fáil election candidate, Charlie McConalogue.
“The car park located at the back of the Sportsman's pub is a key facility for the town but is not anywhere near the standard necessary for safe and easy use by the public in it’s current repair," he said.
“The car park was expected to be properly surfaced as a follow-on from the completion of the redesign of The Diamond and provide much needed additional car parking spaces for the town. It is potentially a fine facility and is capable of holding around 80 cars but insufficient people are using it due to the rough nature of its surface."

Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn 07.04.09

"Honour Ireland's patriot dead" - MacLochlainn
COUNCILLOR Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Féin's European candidate for the North and West constituency, has called for republicans throughout the county to "honour Ireland's patriot dead" by attending their local Easter Commemoration events.
"86 years on, Drumboe remains one of the seminal events in this county's role during the struggle for national unity and freedom.
"On March 14, 1923, four Republican soldiers - Charlie Daly (26), Daniel Enright (23), Timothy O'Sullivan (23) and Sean Larkin (26) - were executed by Free State forces at Drumboe Castle, Stranorlar. After their capture in November 1922 at Dun Luiche, the four were subject to Court Martial and sentenced to death, before being executed by a Free State firing squad," said Cllr MacLochlainn.
"The peace process has placed the objective of Irish unity back at centre-stage in this country's development. There is now a palpable, popular hunger for Irish unity and independence across society.
"By rededicating ourselves to the 1916 Proclamation, by honouring this nation's patriot dead throughout Ireland this weekend, and by wearing the Easter Lily with pride over coming weeks, tens of thousands of republicans will renew that pledge to deliver on the promise of the Proclamation."

*The Inishowen/Buncrana Easter Sunday Commemoration will take place at Cockhill Cemetery on April 12, starting with a march from Cockhill Park at 12 noon. Speaker: Francie Brolly.

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