Waterford MEP Reflects on Leaving Seanad for New Position As I pack to get ready for my first official day as an MEP, I’m trying to make a bit of space for contemplation. It’s been a whirlwind since that fantastic day when the people of Waterford (and the other twelve counties of Ireland South) put their trust in me...
Election News
Deasy and Halligan are odds on: so say the bookmakers!
Deasy and Halligan are odds on: so say the bookmakers!
With General Election polling just days away the latest bookmakers odds reveal an interesting picture of who should be safe, who will lose their seat, the likely poll topers and in fact an extensive list of prices for a whole range of election bets for anyone interested in staking a few euro on next Friday’s outcome....
The West’s awake to the Halligan message
The West’s awake to the Halligan message
Bolstered by the support of city and Tramore-based Councillors, outgoing TD John Halligan (Independent Alliance) has also gained significant backing in the west of the county, boosting his chances of a return to the Dáil. In addition to the backing of Independent Councillors Sean Reinhardt, Joe Kelly, Blaise Hannigan...
Dunphy's concerns over speech and language waiting list
Dunphy's concerns over speech and language waiting list
The national waiting list for speech and language therapists is leaving parents of children who require treatment with no option but to ‘go private’, with such sessions priced at €50 for 40 minutes and €100 for an hour. That’s the contention of general election candidate Una Dunphy (PBP –...
John D Walsh sets out his stall
John D Walsh sets out his stall
Cork-born and Tramore-raised John D Walsh is standing on the Christian Democrat ticket in Friday’s general election, and has pledged to foster a society in which ‘all are encouraged to fulfil their potential and where families flourish’. “Therefore, I will oppose the removal of the pro-life...
Mailo Power makes a final election push
Mailo Power makes a final election push
Renua Ireland’s Mailo Power is criss-crossing Waterford this week in a last minute bid to persuade more voters to the cause of the party led by Lucinda Creighton. Said Ms Power: “It’s been a very hectic few weeks but it’s been incredibly invigorating at the same time. “Last Saturday...
John Paul Phelan's riposte to Aylward's boundary broadside
John Paul Phelan's riposte to Aylward's boundary broadside
Fine Gael’s John Paul Phelan contends that both he and Dáil colleague Ann Phelan (Lab) have stood shoulder to shoulder with Kilkenny constituents on the boundary issue, while outgoing Fianna Fáil TD Bobby Aylward, ‘packed his bags and headed for Galway’. Deputy Phelan was responding to what he...
O’Sullivan stands over criticism of TDs
O’Sullivan stands over criticism of TDs
“It wasn’t personal – it was fair comment,” General election candidate Grace O’Sullivan has refuted claims that she made a ‘personal attack’ on outgoing TDs during a recent WLRfm debate held in Dungarvan, describing her stance as ‘fair comment’. In a statement...
Youth and disability sectors raise concerns at pre-election debates
Youth and disability sectors raise concerns at pre-election debates
Dermot Keyes reports Two of the more under-represented groups in representative political terms: young adults and people with disabilities, had an opportunity to air their views at pre-election debates held in Waterford city last week. On Tuesday last, the ‘We Matter’ debate, commendably organised by Leaving...
Butler wary of FG's 'crackpot' tax plan
Butler wary of FG's 'crackpot' tax plan
Waterford’s Fianna Fáil candidate has claimed that ‘real dangers’ hang over social provisions including Maternity Benefit in the event of Fine Gael leading the next government. Councillor Mary Butler, a mother of three, warded against the prospect of Fine Gael being given “free reign to pursue its dangerous US-style...
Dunphy calls for action on 'zero hour' contacts
Dunphy calls for action on 'zero hour' contacts
Legislation to tackle ‘zero hour’ contracts is urgently required to improve the lot of low-paid and part-time workers according to general election candidate Una Dunphy (PBP-AAA). “As a TUI rep in teaching, this is something I come across this all the time,” Ms Dunphy said during the WLRfm debate in Garter Lane,...
Aylward: coalition TDs asleep at Boundary wheel
Aylward: coalition TDs asleep at Boundary wheel
Outgoing Kilkenny TD and election candidate Bobby Aylward (FF) has spoken of his ‘fury’ with fellow Deputies Ann Phelan and John Paul Phelan over their “inaction” in safeguarding the existing boundary with Waterford. Deputy Aylward made the claim “following reports that Minister Alan...