Togher Tyres - in business for 25 years

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Togher Tyres are celebrating 25 years in business this year, during which time they have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience which can contribute immensely to motorists’ everyday safety.

Find the perfect gift at Castlebar Quarter

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Find the perfect gift this Christmas. Something to suit all tastes and budgets. Ideal gifts for family and friends at Castlebar Quarter Shopping, Hopkins and Lannagh Roads, Castlebar.

Home to over 20 of Ireland's best retailers and boutique shops. With loads of parking, restaurants and cafes, Castlebar Quarter offers stress free shopping on your doorstep. So whatever or whoever you’re looking for this Christmas Castlebar Quarter has it all.

Have glistening carpets and upholstery this Christmas

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

The Cleaning Corporation are delighted to announce the arrival of their new truck-mounted carpet and upholstery cleaning system which is 100 per cent guaranteed to give your carpets and upholstery the most thorough cleaning or the cleaning is free!

Order scrumptious Christmas cakes from Cherry on Top

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Cherry on Top , who are celebrating one year in business in Castlebar, specialise in special occasion cakes as well as tasty treats including tarts, scones and bread, and are now taking orders for Christmas—puddings, trifles, mince pies and Christmas cakes.

Getting in touch with the electorate

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Hands up who can name the three MEPs who now represent you in the European Parliament. Mayo people will know Fine Gael’s Jim Higgins, who are the other two? They are Fianna Fáil’s Seán Ó Neachtain and independent Marian Harkin. Another quick question: what constituency are we in? If you said Connacht-Ulster you’d be wrong; since the 2004 European elections it’s the North West. Why? Because since then Co Clare has been lumped in with the three Ulster counties and five Connacht counties. But enough of the political lessons. Buncranna town councillor and Donegal county councillor Pádraig Mac Lochlainn is the latest person to throw his hat in the ring for next year’s European elections. The Donegal native has been one of the driving forces in Sinn Féin’s reshuffle since their poorer than expected results in the last general election and was the director of elections for the party on last year’s Lisbon Treaty referendum, where Sinn Féin were one of the leading groups urging people to reject the treaty, which it ultimately was.

Grassroots

Fri, Nov 14, 2008

Like marathons, election campaigns are long journeys more often suited to the long distance runner then to the sprinter. As on all long journeys events can happen and change predictions that seemed definite at the outset, this is especially true when it’s a political journey. Bear that in mind as we begin the coverage of the local election campaign scheduled for next June. If Madame Editor allows, this scribe will return to my predictions when the ballots are cast and counted to see how wrong (or right!) I was!

I feel that Fine Gael have got their bounce in Mayo already. They are riding high in the national polls (and still will be in June) but that will not impact on Mayo given their already high level of support here. Independents are the dark horses in any local election - each area will have some.

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.