.Last Updated: March 30. 2011 11:47AM .Detroit mother jailed after standoff to be released
Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News
Detroit— The bond was reduced today for a woman charged with using a gun to hold off police when Child Protective Services workers came to take her daughter in a dispute over the 13-year-old's medication.
36th District Judge Paula Humphries lessened the bond for Maryanne Godboldo, 56, to a $200,000 personal bond from $500,000 cash, meaning no money will be posted and she likely will be released today.
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Defense lawyers called the original bond "enormous" and "excessive."
Humphries said today she believes Godboldo isn't a threat to the public despite a police report saying Godboldo fired a shot while officers entered her home Thursday on the front porch of her west-side home.
Godboldo has been in the Wayne County Jail since surrendering Friday morning on the front porch of the home after a 10-hour standoff.
Her daughter, Ariana, was initially turned over to a relative by Detroit police, but was later taken into state custody from a hospital where her physical condition she was being evaluated after the standoff. She has been allowed visits at a state-run facility for juveniles from her father, Mubuarak Hakim, and an aunt, Penny Godboldo, a professor of dance at Marygrove College.
"She's OK," Hakim said Tuesday. "I'm not OK with it, though, and we are working at bringing her home, bringing them both home."
Godboldo's lawyers, who claim the state had no authority to take the girl, have requested an April 6 hearing on her custody in Wayne County Juvenile Court. A preliminary examination of criminal charges against Godboldo will be April 8 in the city's 36th District Court.
The standoff started Thursday afternoon, when protective services workers came to Godboldo's home armed with a warrant to take the girl. The dispute is over a medical and mental health treatment plan that had called for psychotropic drugs the mother felt were doing more harm than good. Godboldo has said her daughter's physical and mental problems are a bad reaction to immunizations the formerly homeschooled teen took so she could be enrolled in a regular middle school.
Godboldo's lawyer, Wanda Evans, has said the medical treatment plan was voluntarily developed between the mother and specialists at the Children's Center, an organization that helps "at-risk children." The court had no prior involvement with the family and granted no authority to social workers to countermand a parent's right to make medical decisions, Evans said.
The incident has attracted widespread interest since the standoff began Thursday afternoon. Ministers and civil rights advocates rushed to the home that was surrounded by police. One of the people who helped police talk Godboldo out of her house was Wayne County Circuit Judge Deborah Thomas, a former polio sufferer and advocate for the disabled. Ariana has had only one foot since birth. Thomas has said her examination of the warrant CPS workers presented to Godboldo revealed that it contained "defects."
A broad spectrum of activists, conservatives, liberals, and anti-immunization, parental and civil rights groups are expected to come from around the nation to attend a 9 a.m. event Saturday at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 18700 James Couzens Freeway, to support Godboldo.
"We are going to have an extremely interesting collection of Americans who believe in the sanctity of family, conservatives and liberals, coming together for this mother," said one of the event's organizers, Ron Scott of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality. "We have received word that people are coming from the holistic health community and even representatives of the Tea Party in West Michigan
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110330/METRO01/103300405/Detroit-mother-jailed-after-standoff-to-be-released#ixzz1I72EwPQX
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Fine Gael divided over fate of former minister
Fine Gael divided over fate of former minister
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'Inconsistencies' force coroner to adjourn inquest
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By Michael Brennan, Fionnan Sheahan and Eimear Ni Bhraonain
Friday March 25 2011
FINE Gael struggled to maintain a united front last night on the future of Michael Lowry as the fallout continued from the Moriarty Tribunal's damning findings against him.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said in Brussels he would like to see the former Fine Gael communications minister resign his Dail seat "in an ideal world" -- but three of his Fine Gael cabinet ministers refused to comment on the issue.
Fine Gael's stance has come under the spotlight following calls on Mr Lowry to quit as a TD from Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.
The tribunal said Mr Lowry had engaged in a "cynical and venal abuse of office" during the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to businessman Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone consortium.
But despite Mr Kenny's clear statement, Environment Minister Phil Hogan, Health Minister James Reilly and Justice Minister Alan Shatter all failed to call on Mr Lowry to resign.
Mr Hogan denied that Fine Gael was reluctant to cut the former party minister loose.
"He's not part of Fine Gael, we cut him loose in 1997 when he was no longer a candidate for Fine Gael," he said.
Despite the political pressure, Mr Lowry has vowed that he will not resign the seat he has held since 1987. Last night, he met his committee members and canvassers in Tipperary North in the Anner Hotel in Thurles to brief them about his plans to continue.
Mr Lowry will be able to hang on to his seat for the foreseeable future because gardai investigating the report will not be able to use any of the witness evidence without verifying it independently.
Investigated
And there is little prospect of him being investigated on foot of a complaint to the State's political standards watchdog.
The Standards in Public Office Commission to govern the behaviour of politicians was only set up in 2001 -- five years after the second mobile phone licence was awarded to Mr O'Brien's Esat Digifone.
The Standards in Public Office Commission confirmed last night that it had not yet received any complaint from a member of the public about Mr Lowry.
None of the opposition parties were prepared to commit to moving a motion against him to call on him to quit his seat -- a tactic last used nine years ago in the case of disgraced former Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawlor.
Mr Kenny last night said he would like Mr Lowry to resign "in an ideal world".
"But we don't live in an ideal world and my view actually is that had the Abbeylara question been decided before now this kind of investigative work could have been done at a far earlier time, I think, and at a far less cost than the tribunal," he said.
Mr Kenny was referring to the 2001 Supreme Court ruling which prevented Dail committees from carrying out investigations into any alleged wrongdoing.
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By Michael Brennan, Fionnan Sheahan and Eimear Ni Bhraonain
Friday March 25 2011
FINE Gael struggled to maintain a united front last night on the future of Michael Lowry as the fallout continued from the Moriarty Tribunal's damning findings against him.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said in Brussels he would like to see the former Fine Gael communications minister resign his Dail seat "in an ideal world" -- but three of his Fine Gael cabinet ministers refused to comment on the issue.
Fine Gael's stance has come under the spotlight following calls on Mr Lowry to quit as a TD from Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.
The tribunal said Mr Lowry had engaged in a "cynical and venal abuse of office" during the awarding of the second mobile phone licence to businessman Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone consortium.
But despite Mr Kenny's clear statement, Environment Minister Phil Hogan, Health Minister James Reilly and Justice Minister Alan Shatter all failed to call on Mr Lowry to resign.
Mr Hogan denied that Fine Gael was reluctant to cut the former party minister loose.
"He's not part of Fine Gael, we cut him loose in 1997 when he was no longer a candidate for Fine Gael," he said.
Despite the political pressure, Mr Lowry has vowed that he will not resign the seat he has held since 1987. Last night, he met his committee members and canvassers in Tipperary North in the Anner Hotel in Thurles to brief them about his plans to continue.
Mr Lowry will be able to hang on to his seat for the foreseeable future because gardai investigating the report will not be able to use any of the witness evidence without verifying it independently.
Investigated
And there is little prospect of him being investigated on foot of a complaint to the State's political standards watchdog.
The Standards in Public Office Commission to govern the behaviour of politicians was only set up in 2001 -- five years after the second mobile phone licence was awarded to Mr O'Brien's Esat Digifone.
The Standards in Public Office Commission confirmed last night that it had not yet received any complaint from a member of the public about Mr Lowry.
None of the opposition parties were prepared to commit to moving a motion against him to call on him to quit his seat -- a tactic last used nine years ago in the case of disgraced former Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawlor.
Mr Kenny last night said he would like Mr Lowry to resign "in an ideal world".
"But we don't live in an ideal world and my view actually is that had the Abbeylara question been decided before now this kind of investigative work could have been done at a far earlier time, I think, and at a far less cost than the tribunal," he said.
Mr Kenny was referring to the 2001 Supreme Court ruling which prevented Dail committees from carrying out investigations into any alleged wrongdoing.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Minutes of meeting on 09/03/2011 at 2.30pm
Minutes of meeting on 09/03/2011 at 2.30pm
Attendance:
Kevin Keegan – Architect
Peter Clarke – Independent town councillor
Tom Chambers – Independent campaigner
Becky Fred-Ameh – Tom Chamber’s PA
Kevin pointed out that the disability strategy fund has been dropped by the Department of Environment. Kelvin thanked Tom for his input in achieving a certificate of excellence award from the National disability authority (NDA).
Tom asked about the percentage of disability staff to be employed by Ballina Town Council and Kelvin said two per cent. Kelvin confirmed they are about to hire a special machine to make the crossings on Pearse Street universally accessible. He agreed that the designated parking bay on Pearse Street could be more user friendly.
Tom spoke about the designated parking bay sign in front of the Ballina Town Council Office if it could be more visible to traffic users. Peter pointed out the right hand side opposite the post office is extremely dangerous to women with prams and the Ballina Town Council should not be promoting that. Peter brought to our attention the painting of the designated parking bays and Kevin told us that there would be planting of tress on the side of the road.
Tom felt the designated parking bays are improperly used and should be monitored for proper use, because money generated from clamping and fines could be used for other things in the town. He also felt there is lack of communication with disabled people when running plans for designated parking bays.
Kevin talked about the use of designated bays and Tom said the people should be educated on the proper use of the bays and this led to Kevin inviting Tom to see where he proposed to have designated bays for the disabled angers to use for fishing. He will be forwarding an email to Tom to fix a date for that.
Peter asked if there is any more work to be done and Kevin said there would be two more crossing on the road to Sligo. Plans are been drawn for designated parking bays and universally facilities for disabled people fishing in Gortnabbey in Crossmollina. Kevin said he will send Tom a copy of the plan. Peter invited Tom to see the Arts centre that is almost ready to be opened.
We agreed that a bit of money should be set up totally for disability issues. It was also agreed that Peter would approach a fellow Councillor John O’Malley with the town mayor to ring fence money for disability issues and also approach county councillors to make room for disability funds out of the budget and Tom agreed he is always open to meet any of them and discuss where the money could be spent.
The meeting was brought to a close at 3.45pm.
Attendance:
Kevin Keegan – Architect
Peter Clarke – Independent town councillor
Tom Chambers – Independent campaigner
Becky Fred-Ameh – Tom Chamber’s PA
Kevin pointed out that the disability strategy fund has been dropped by the Department of Environment. Kelvin thanked Tom for his input in achieving a certificate of excellence award from the National disability authority (NDA).
Tom asked about the percentage of disability staff to be employed by Ballina Town Council and Kelvin said two per cent. Kelvin confirmed they are about to hire a special machine to make the crossings on Pearse Street universally accessible. He agreed that the designated parking bay on Pearse Street could be more user friendly.
Tom spoke about the designated parking bay sign in front of the Ballina Town Council Office if it could be more visible to traffic users. Peter pointed out the right hand side opposite the post office is extremely dangerous to women with prams and the Ballina Town Council should not be promoting that. Peter brought to our attention the painting of the designated parking bays and Kevin told us that there would be planting of tress on the side of the road.
Tom felt the designated parking bays are improperly used and should be monitored for proper use, because money generated from clamping and fines could be used for other things in the town. He also felt there is lack of communication with disabled people when running plans for designated parking bays.
Kevin talked about the use of designated bays and Tom said the people should be educated on the proper use of the bays and this led to Kevin inviting Tom to see where he proposed to have designated bays for the disabled angers to use for fishing. He will be forwarding an email to Tom to fix a date for that.
Peter asked if there is any more work to be done and Kevin said there would be two more crossing on the road to Sligo. Plans are been drawn for designated parking bays and universally facilities for disabled people fishing in Gortnabbey in Crossmollina. Kevin said he will send Tom a copy of the plan. Peter invited Tom to see the Arts centre that is almost ready to be opened.
We agreed that a bit of money should be set up totally for disability issues. It was also agreed that Peter would approach a fellow Councillor John O’Malley with the town mayor to ring fence money for disability issues and also approach county councillors to make room for disability funds out of the budget and Tom agreed he is always open to meet any of them and discuss where the money could be spent.
The meeting was brought to a close at 3.45pm.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Bullying ‘Not Something We Have To Accept,’ Obama SaysBy Michelle Diament
Friday, March 11, 2011 About | Advertise | Get E-Mail News
Bullying ‘Not Something We Have To Accept,’ Obama SaysBy Michelle Diament
March 10, 2011 Text Size A A
All Americans share a responsibility to prevent bullying, President Barack Obama said Thursday, as stakeholders met at the White House to tackle an issue that disproportionately affects those with disabilities.
“Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people and it’s not something we have to accept,” Obama said, acknowledging that he was taunted himself as a child.
The president said the gathering of about 150 students, parents, teachers, advocates and policymakers was intended to, “dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up.”
The White House cited figures suggesting that almost one in three schoolchildren are bullied each year.
“It’s also more likely to affect kids that are seen as different, whether it’s because of the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, the disability they may have or sexual orientation,” Obama said.
To that end, a handful of disability advocates and at least one high school student with a disability were in attendance at the invitation-only event, which featured a series of breakout sessions on topics ranging from cyberbullying to school policies.
The student, Ian Forster, 16 — who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and paralysis on one side of his body — was dumped out of his wheelchair by another student at his Michigan school in addition to other forms of harassment. The bullying went unaddressed by Forster’s school until a legal team from the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service stepped in on his behalf.
In addition to those who experienced bullying first hand, many students who attended the conference are actively working on initiatives to prevent bullying at their schools.
In conjunction with the conference Thursday, the White House announced new efforts in cooperation with Facebook, MTV and several education organizations to prevent and address bullying
Bullying ‘Not Something We Have To Accept,’ Obama SaysBy Michelle Diament
March 10, 2011 Text Size A A
All Americans share a responsibility to prevent bullying, President Barack Obama said Thursday, as stakeholders met at the White House to tackle an issue that disproportionately affects those with disabilities.
“Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people and it’s not something we have to accept,” Obama said, acknowledging that he was taunted himself as a child.
The president said the gathering of about 150 students, parents, teachers, advocates and policymakers was intended to, “dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up.”
The White House cited figures suggesting that almost one in three schoolchildren are bullied each year.
“It’s also more likely to affect kids that are seen as different, whether it’s because of the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, the disability they may have or sexual orientation,” Obama said.
To that end, a handful of disability advocates and at least one high school student with a disability were in attendance at the invitation-only event, which featured a series of breakout sessions on topics ranging from cyberbullying to school policies.
The student, Ian Forster, 16 — who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and paralysis on one side of his body — was dumped out of his wheelchair by another student at his Michigan school in addition to other forms of harassment. The bullying went unaddressed by Forster’s school until a legal team from the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service stepped in on his behalf.
In addition to those who experienced bullying first hand, many students who attended the conference are actively working on initiatives to prevent bullying at their schools.
In conjunction with the conference Thursday, the White House announced new efforts in cooperation with Facebook, MTV and several education organizations to prevent and address bullying
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Adams wary of Republic royal visit
Adams wary of Republic royal visit
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Gerry Adams said the planned visit to the Republic by the Queen was 'premature'
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Friday March 04 2011
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said a planned visit by the Queen to the Republic of Ireland is premature and will offend some people.
Buckingham Palace has announced the Queen accepted an invitation from the Republic's President Mary McAleese to pay a state visit this year.
It will be the first official tour of the Republic by a British monarch. A date has not been set but it is widely expected to be in May.
"As Republicans, Sinn Fein is very aware of the symbolism of a state visit by Queen Elizabeth of England and of the offence it will cause to many Irish citizens, particularly victims of British rule and those with legacy issues in this state and in the North," Mr Adams said. "We are also very conscious of the attitude of our unionist neighbours."
Mr Adams said the party was in favour of the normalisation of relationships between Ireland and the UK.
"This will require the ending of the partition of Ireland and the ability of all the people of this island to shape our own society free from outside interference," he said. "The Good Friday Agreement provides for this and the process to achieve it is an ongoing focus for Sinn Fein. The President has invited the English monarch and Sinn Fein respects her right to do so.
"However, we believe this visit is premature and we expect our views to be respected also."
Mr Adams said Sinn Fein's Ard Chomhairle (ruling executive) would be meeting on March 12.
"We will give a considered view after that meeting and as the details of the visit emerge," Mr Adams said.
The Irish Government said it welcomed the imminent trip. "The visit will mark a further improvement in the very good relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom," it said in a statement.
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Gerry Adams said the planned visit to the Republic by the Queen was 'premature'
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Man, 27, abducted in Co Tyrone
Two injured in Smithfield shooting
Man arrested over police gun attack
Pipe bombs discovered in woodland
Britain's Queen plans state visit
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Friday March 04 2011
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said a planned visit by the Queen to the Republic of Ireland is premature and will offend some people.
Buckingham Palace has announced the Queen accepted an invitation from the Republic's President Mary McAleese to pay a state visit this year.
It will be the first official tour of the Republic by a British monarch. A date has not been set but it is widely expected to be in May.
"As Republicans, Sinn Fein is very aware of the symbolism of a state visit by Queen Elizabeth of England and of the offence it will cause to many Irish citizens, particularly victims of British rule and those with legacy issues in this state and in the North," Mr Adams said. "We are also very conscious of the attitude of our unionist neighbours."
Mr Adams said the party was in favour of the normalisation of relationships between Ireland and the UK.
"This will require the ending of the partition of Ireland and the ability of all the people of this island to shape our own society free from outside interference," he said. "The Good Friday Agreement provides for this and the process to achieve it is an ongoing focus for Sinn Fein. The President has invited the English monarch and Sinn Fein respects her right to do so.
"However, we believe this visit is premature and we expect our views to be respected also."
Mr Adams said Sinn Fein's Ard Chomhairle (ruling executive) would be meeting on March 12.
"We will give a considered view after that meeting and as the details of the visit emerge," Mr Adams said.
The Irish Government said it welcomed the imminent trip. "The visit will mark a further improvement in the very good relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom," it said in a statement.
Parties planning to cut up to 25,000 public sector jobs
Parties planning to cut up to 25,000 public sector jobs
Enda Kenny at a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in the Shelborne Hotel in Dublin today. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireRelated
Kenny and Gilmore to decide today on draft deal for coalition | 05/03/2011Sum for outgoing TDs tops EUR13m | 05/03/2011Kenny sets stage to back away from bond demand | 05/03/2011Opponents of coalition deal line up ahead of key debate | 05/03/2011DEAGLÁN de BRÉADÚN, Political Correspondent
Fine Gael and Labour are set to form a government for national recovery under the terms of a programme being submitted to a special conference of the Labour Party this afternoon at University College Dublin.
The 64-page document begins with a “statement of common purpose” which declares that “a democratic revolution” took place on election day and that “we now face one of the darkest hours in the history of our independent state”.
The two parties have reached a compromise on the year 2015 instead of Fine Gael’s 2014 and Labour’s 2016 for reaching the 3 per cent deficit target.
Fine Gael sought 30,000 job cuts from the public sector on a voluntary basis by 2014, compared to 18,000 sought by Labour. This figure has been agreed by the two parties at between 18,000 and 21,000 within the same period, with a further 4,000 to go by 2015.
On third-level education, the parties have agreed to a “full review” of funding before the end of this year, based on the Hunt and OECD reports.
“Our goal is to introduce a funding system that will provide third-level institutions with reliable funding but does not impact access for students,” the document adds.
A new State-owned water utility company is to be established to take over from the local authorities, with the objective of installing water meters in every household and “move to a charging system that is based on use above the free allowance”.
A Constitutional Convention will review Bunreacht na hEireann and the government will “prioritise” referendums on five topics: abolition of the Seanad; reversing the effects of the Abbeylara judgment on the powers of Oireachtas committee investigations; protecting the right of citizens to “communicate in confidence” with their public representatives; cutting the salaries of judges in “restricted” circumstances; and children’s rights.
The Convention will also consider such topics as, same-sex marriage, reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, reducing the voting age, and removing the provision on blasphemy.
The number of TDs will be reduced in line with the 2011 Census, ministers’ salaries will be cut, political expenses will have to be vouched for and severance payments for ministers will be cut.
A strategic investment bank, proposed by Labour, is to be established. State training agency Fás will be replaced by a National Employment and Entitlements Service.
Resources will be provided within the first 100 days of the new administration for a jobs fund. An Export Trade Council will be established to promote trade and exports.
A National Development Plan will be drawn up for the period 2012-19. A commercially-financed investment programme called the “New Era” plan, which was the title used in the Fine Gael manifesto, will also be put in place.
The document states: “We will target up to €2 billion in sales of non-strategic state assets drawing from the recommendations of the McCarthy Review Group on State Assets, when available.”
The programme also pledges “to stick to the aggregate adjustment as set out in the National Recovery Plan for the combined period 2011-12”.
Current rates of income tax together with bands and credits will be maintained. Top marginal rates on income will not be increased.
“We will reduce, cap or abolish property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners,” the programme states.
The new government will “consider” a site valuation tax on property which must take account of “mortgage distress” and the provision of a reliable stream of revenue to local government.
“We will review the Universal Social Charge,” the document says. An independent Fiscal Advisory Council will be set up to “undertake fiscal macroeconomic projections and monitoring”.
In the area of health, universal health insurance will be brought in by 2016, with access according to need and payment according to ability to pay. “Universal Primary Care will remove fees for GP care,” the document adds.
On the Irish language, there is to be “a thorough reform” of the curriculum and the way Irish is taught. There is no reference to the controversial Fine Gael proposal to drop Irish as a compulsory subject of study for Leaving Cert
Enda Kenny at a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in the Shelborne Hotel in Dublin today. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireRelated
Kenny and Gilmore to decide today on draft deal for coalition | 05/03/2011Sum for outgoing TDs tops EUR13m | 05/03/2011Kenny sets stage to back away from bond demand | 05/03/2011Opponents of coalition deal line up ahead of key debate | 05/03/2011DEAGLÁN de BRÉADÚN, Political Correspondent
Fine Gael and Labour are set to form a government for national recovery under the terms of a programme being submitted to a special conference of the Labour Party this afternoon at University College Dublin.
The 64-page document begins with a “statement of common purpose” which declares that “a democratic revolution” took place on election day and that “we now face one of the darkest hours in the history of our independent state”.
The two parties have reached a compromise on the year 2015 instead of Fine Gael’s 2014 and Labour’s 2016 for reaching the 3 per cent deficit target.
Fine Gael sought 30,000 job cuts from the public sector on a voluntary basis by 2014, compared to 18,000 sought by Labour. This figure has been agreed by the two parties at between 18,000 and 21,000 within the same period, with a further 4,000 to go by 2015.
On third-level education, the parties have agreed to a “full review” of funding before the end of this year, based on the Hunt and OECD reports.
“Our goal is to introduce a funding system that will provide third-level institutions with reliable funding but does not impact access for students,” the document adds.
A new State-owned water utility company is to be established to take over from the local authorities, with the objective of installing water meters in every household and “move to a charging system that is based on use above the free allowance”.
A Constitutional Convention will review Bunreacht na hEireann and the government will “prioritise” referendums on five topics: abolition of the Seanad; reversing the effects of the Abbeylara judgment on the powers of Oireachtas committee investigations; protecting the right of citizens to “communicate in confidence” with their public representatives; cutting the salaries of judges in “restricted” circumstances; and children’s rights.
The Convention will also consider such topics as, same-sex marriage, reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, reducing the voting age, and removing the provision on blasphemy.
The number of TDs will be reduced in line with the 2011 Census, ministers’ salaries will be cut, political expenses will have to be vouched for and severance payments for ministers will be cut.
A strategic investment bank, proposed by Labour, is to be established. State training agency Fás will be replaced by a National Employment and Entitlements Service.
Resources will be provided within the first 100 days of the new administration for a jobs fund. An Export Trade Council will be established to promote trade and exports.
A National Development Plan will be drawn up for the period 2012-19. A commercially-financed investment programme called the “New Era” plan, which was the title used in the Fine Gael manifesto, will also be put in place.
The document states: “We will target up to €2 billion in sales of non-strategic state assets drawing from the recommendations of the McCarthy Review Group on State Assets, when available.”
The programme also pledges “to stick to the aggregate adjustment as set out in the National Recovery Plan for the combined period 2011-12”.
Current rates of income tax together with bands and credits will be maintained. Top marginal rates on income will not be increased.
“We will reduce, cap or abolish property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners,” the programme states.
The new government will “consider” a site valuation tax on property which must take account of “mortgage distress” and the provision of a reliable stream of revenue to local government.
“We will review the Universal Social Charge,” the document says. An independent Fiscal Advisory Council will be set up to “undertake fiscal macroeconomic projections and monitoring”.
In the area of health, universal health insurance will be brought in by 2016, with access according to need and payment according to ability to pay. “Universal Primary Care will remove fees for GP care,” the document adds.
On the Irish language, there is to be “a thorough reform” of the curriculum and the way Irish is taught. There is no reference to the controversial Fine Gael proposal to drop Irish as a compulsory subject of study for Leaving Cert
Monday, January 31, 2011
List of TDs not standing in General Election 2011
List of TDs not standing in General Election 2011
Updated: 12:41, Monday, 31 January 2011
Has your TD announced they are not standing in the upcoming General Election? Check our list:
Dáil - TDs standing down after 30th session
Has your TD from the current Dáil session announced they are not standing in the upcoming General Election? Check our list to find out:
Updated: 31 January 2011
Fianna Fáil:
Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach (Dublin Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice (resigned)
(Louth)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Noel Ahern (Dublin North West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Sean Ardagh (Dublin South-Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Niall Blaney (Donegal North-East)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Martin Cullen, former Minister for Arts, Sports Tourism (Waterford)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987 (as a member of the Progressive Democrats)
*Announced resignation, March 2010*
Noel Dempsey, Minister for Transport (resigned)
(Meath West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Michael Finneran, Minister of State for Housing
(Roscommon South Leitrim)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Beverley Flynn (Mayo)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Tony Killeen, Minister for Defence (resigned)
(Clare)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Tom Kitt (Dublin South)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Dr James McDaid (Donegal North-East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
*Announced resignation, November 2010*
MJ Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny)
First elected to the Dáil: 1982
Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Batt O'Keeffe, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Innovation (resigned)
(Cork North-West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1982
Noel Treacy (Galway East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1982
Mary Wallace (Meath East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
Dr Michael J Woods (Dublin North-East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Fine Gael:
Bernard Allen (Cork North-Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Paul Connaughton (Galway East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
PJ Sheehan (Cork South-West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Ulick Burke (Galway East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
George Lee (Dublin South)
First elected to the Dáil: 2009 (by-election)
*Announced resignation, February 2010*
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South-West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
Labour:
Michael D Higgins (Galway West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Liz McManus (Wicklow)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Brian O'Shea (Waterford)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
Dr Mary Upton (Dublin South-Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Sinn Féin:
Arthur Morgan (Louth)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Independents:
Mary Harney, Minister for Health (resigned)
Dublin Mid West
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Updated: 12:41, Monday, 31 January 2011
Has your TD announced they are not standing in the upcoming General Election? Check our list:
Dáil - TDs standing down after 30th session
Has your TD from the current Dáil session announced they are not standing in the upcoming General Election? Check our list to find out:
Updated: 31 January 2011
Fianna Fáil:
Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach (Dublin Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice (resigned)
(Louth)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Noel Ahern (Dublin North West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Sean Ardagh (Dublin South-Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Niall Blaney (Donegal North-East)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Martin Cullen, former Minister for Arts, Sports Tourism (Waterford)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987 (as a member of the Progressive Democrats)
*Announced resignation, March 2010*
Noel Dempsey, Minister for Transport (resigned)
(Meath West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Michael Finneran, Minister of State for Housing
(Roscommon South Leitrim)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Beverley Flynn (Mayo)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Tony Killeen, Minister for Defence (resigned)
(Clare)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Tom Kitt (Dublin South)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Dr James McDaid (Donegal North-East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
*Announced resignation, November 2010*
MJ Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny)
First elected to the Dáil: 1982
Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Batt O'Keeffe, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Innovation (resigned)
(Cork North-West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1987
Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1982
Noel Treacy (Galway East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1982
Mary Wallace (Meath East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
Dr Michael J Woods (Dublin North-East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Fine Gael:
Bernard Allen (Cork North-Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Paul Connaughton (Galway East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
PJ Sheehan (Cork South-West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Ulick Burke (Galway East)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
George Lee (Dublin South)
First elected to the Dáil: 2009 (by-election)
*Announced resignation, February 2010*
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South-West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1977
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
Labour:
Michael D Higgins (Galway West)
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Liz McManus (Wicklow)
First elected to the Dáil: 1992
Brian O'Shea (Waterford)
First elected to the Dáil: 1989
Dr Mary Upton (Dublin South-Central)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Sinn Féin:
Arthur Morgan (Louth)
First elected to the Dáil: 2002
Independents:
Mary Harney, Minister for Health (resigned)
Dublin Mid West
First elected to the Dáil: 1981
Jackie Healy-Rae (Kerry South)
First elected to the Dáil: 1997
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Spain - Ryanair boarding pass charge illegal
Spain - Ryanair boarding pass charge illegal
Updated: 17:23, Saturday, 15 January 2011
A judge in Spain has ruled that Ryanair cannot charge passengers for failing to print out their own boarding cards.
Ryanair - May appeal the ruling
A judge in Spain has ruled that Ryanair cannot charge passengers for failing to print out their own boarding cards.
A case was brought by a Spanish lawyer, Dan Miro, who was charged the standard Ryanair fee of €40 for failing to print his boarding card before a flight.
Judge Barbara Maria Cordoba of the Barcelona Commercial Court said in the ruling 'the normal practice over the years has been that the obligation to issue the boarding card has always fallen on the carrier.'
Judge Cordoba continued, 'I declare unfair and therefore void the contractual clause in which Ryanair obliges the passenger to be the one who brings the printed boarding pass to travel or face a penalty of €40.'
Ryanair can still appeal the ruling.
The Consumers Union of Spain (UCE) hailed the decision, describing Ryanair's policy on boarding cards as 'abusive.'
The UCE said in a statement 'International air traffic laws, to which Ryanair is subject, oblige a transporter to provide the travel document.'
Ryanair said in September it had overtaken Spanish flag carrier Iberia as the largest airline in Spain in terms of the number of passengers carried
Updated: 17:23, Saturday, 15 January 2011
A judge in Spain has ruled that Ryanair cannot charge passengers for failing to print out their own boarding cards.
Ryanair - May appeal the ruling
A judge in Spain has ruled that Ryanair cannot charge passengers for failing to print out their own boarding cards.
A case was brought by a Spanish lawyer, Dan Miro, who was charged the standard Ryanair fee of €40 for failing to print his boarding card before a flight.
Judge Barbara Maria Cordoba of the Barcelona Commercial Court said in the ruling 'the normal practice over the years has been that the obligation to issue the boarding card has always fallen on the carrier.'
Judge Cordoba continued, 'I declare unfair and therefore void the contractual clause in which Ryanair obliges the passenger to be the one who brings the printed boarding pass to travel or face a penalty of €40.'
Ryanair can still appeal the ruling.
The Consumers Union of Spain (UCE) hailed the decision, describing Ryanair's policy on boarding cards as 'abusive.'
The UCE said in a statement 'International air traffic laws, to which Ryanair is subject, oblige a transporter to provide the travel document.'
Ryanair said in September it had overtaken Spanish flag carrier Iberia as the largest airline in Spain in terms of the number of passengers carried
Friday, January 14, 2011
Heartbroken: John McAreavey and Michaela Harte
Body of murdered bride comes home as heartbroken husband of Michaela McAreavey pays moving tribute
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:07 AM on 13th January 2011
Comments (130) Add to My Stories
Heartbroken: John McAreavey and Michaela Harte on their wedding day. She was found strangled in a bathtub on their honeymoon in Mauritius
The body of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey was on its way home to Ireland today as her heartbroken husband spoke of his loss.
Three hotel workers have been charged in connection with her murder on the paradise island of Mauritius and remanded in custody. They could face up to 45 years in jail.
In a statement, her devastated husband John spoke of his 'beautiful wife, best friend and rock' in a moving tribute and said that he now had 'an angel' looking over him.
The 30-year-old said: 'Words have no meaning.
'My beautiful wife, my best friend, my rock Michaela, has been taken from me and I still can't take it in.
'Our hopes, our dreams and our future together are gone. I am heartbroken and like Mickey, Marian, Michaela's brothers and my family, I am totally devastated.
'I love my wife, very, very much and my world revolved around her. I can't describe in words how lost I feel as Michaela is not just the light of my life - she is my life.
'I appreciate all the prayers and messages of support. I pray that God gives us the strength and faith that Michaela has, to cope with our horrific loss.
'She is a gift from God and I now have an angel.
'Our families now need the time, privacy and space to make the necessary arrangements to take Michaela home.'
John and her brother Mark were in Mauritius as her coffin was taken from the hospital morgue to the airport, where it will be flown to London on the first stage of her journey back home.
Relatives hope her remains will arrive in London sometime early on Friday morning and then be flown on to Belfast.
It is expected her funeral will take place in Co Tyrone early next week - in the same church where she wed only weeks ago.
In Mauritius, the men accused over her death, all employed at the luxury Legends Hotel where the newlywed teacher was found strangled, appeared in Mapou Court on the north of the island.
Two were charged with murder and one with conspiracy to murder.
Mauritius police said the two men charged with the 27-year-old's murder were Abinash Treeboowoon, 29, a room attendant from Plaine des Roches, and Sandip Moneea, 41, a floor supervisor from Petit Raffray.
Room attendant Raj Theekoy, 33, faced the conspiracy charge.
During a brief hearing they spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth, police said.
Magistrate Bono Mally remanded them in police custody for a week and they will return to court next Wednesday, when they are expected either to be formally charged or released.
Earlier, local police said: ‘A speedy end to the investigation is in sight.’
But claims of police brutality against a suspect threaten to destabilise the case.
And tensions within the investigation emerged as claims by the Police Commissioner’s Office that two of the men had confessed were strenuously denied by the Major Criminal Investigations Team.
Meanwhile, the horrific details of her final moments on the paradise island of Mauritius have emerged.
The 27-year-old’s body was discovered by her husband half submerged in the bathtub of their hotel bedroom on Monday afternoon, with the water still running.
Police suspect that her killers placed her body in the bath in an attempt to make her death look like a suicide drowning.
Police commissioner Tishur Ranpersad revealed that the evidence against the suspects is circumstantial.
'They have not confessed but we have circumstantial sort of evidence but we are trying to find some other evidence to link them to the charge,' he said.
He said the use of a key card to open the couple's bedroom door was critical to the case.
'Not all people have access to these cards,' he said.
The police chief also confirmed that Mrs McAreavey may have tried to fight off her attacker.
Suspects (l to r): Sandip Monnea, Avinash Treebohun and Raj Theekoy are led into the court by plainclothes policemen in Port Louis, Mauritius yesterday
'There is some signs, indications, that she might have struggled. From what we have obtained from her nails, the collections we have obtained from her nails, it looks like there may have been some struggle,' he said.
He said officers identified the suspects by checking who had access to the ground floor of the hotel and the rooms on that level.
'I suspect the guy was in trying to rob and the lady caught him red-handed. I'm just guessing,' the Commissioner told RTE Radio.
'I'm saying we have a very open mind. There may have been some other guy who did the job,' he said.
It is hoped a trial will take place within six months.
Mr McAreavey's tribute follows one from Michaela's father Mickey, the celebrated manager of Ireland's Tyrone gaelic football team, who described his murdered daughter Michaela as 'a gem'.
He said: ‘It’s the worst of the worst, our hearts are just broken,’
‘This is our day to bear this cross.’
Flanked by two of his three sons, Matthew and Michael, he said: ‘She was a gem and we’ll always remember her. She was a lovely girl, a wonderful daughter, a brilliant sister, and we will always treasure her.
Mickey Harte - manager of Tyrone gaelic football team - with two of his sons, Matthew (left) and Michael, speaking about the death of his daughter Michaela, at the family home outside Ballygawley in Co Tyrone
Luxury holiday: A view of the swimming pool at the five-star Legends Hotel in Mauritius, where the newlywed couple were staying
She was a beautiful girl. She couldn’t be better, couldn’t be nicer. God love her, we are so, so sorry. Our hearts are broken.
‘I just want to say that I know lots of people have had this experience before and I’ve tried to empathise with them. But you can’t get the feeling unless you’ve been there, and God save anybody from having to be in this place.’
Devastated: Mickey Harte with daughter Michaela on the day of her wedding
He later told friends: ‘There must be some meaning in this, but right now, I can’t see it.’
Data taken from the door’s electronic lock revealed that her attacker entered the room at 2.42pm, just two minutes before Michaela.
The intruder is believed to have used one of three magnetic skeleton key cards that can unlock all room doors and are given to room service employees.
She and her husband of just 11 days, had been eating lunch at a poolside restaurant when she decided to return to the hotel room to collect some biscuits.
Inspector Ranjig Jokoo said: ‘We believe Michaela might have been seen by her intruder, who was already in the room to commit a theft.
‘We believe that the person killed her because they did not want her to identify them to police later.
‘I cannot say as yet whether it was definitely a member of staff or an ex member of staff or if, maybe, it was someone who was just familiar with the hotel’s computerised key card system.
‘But we have some of the staff from the hotel helping us to know what happened and they are the first persons who need to be interrogated.’
Local journalist Gilles Martial said that police believed her body had been moved to the bathtub after she was murdered.
He told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘It appears they put her body in the bathtub and then turned on the tap and half-filled the bathtub to simulate a suicide drowning.’
But a post-mortem examination later revealed she had died of strangulation after a violent struggle.
There were cuts and bruises to her body and head, and pieces of dead skin were found under her fingernails.
Swabs have been taken from the scene and sent for further testing.
There are no CCTV cameras in the corridor outside her room.
The Central Investigation Division in Mauritius was questioning up to ten suspects last night.
Inspectors yesterday said all staff on duty that day who had access to room key cards were being questioned.
Local police chief Supt Yussuf Soopun said he firmly believed that the perpetrator was local.
Michaela’s husband discovered her body just after 3pm after becoming concerned that she had not returned to the poolside restaurant where they had been dining.
Detectives said Mr McAreavey could not gain access to the room because he had left his key card in a pocket of his clothes in the room.
He went downstairs to summon hotel staff and when he returned to Room 1025 he found his wife’s body in the bathtub.
One of the three suspects, Sandip Monnea, who has been charged with the murder of Michaela McAreavey, sits inside a police vehicle outside of a courthouse in Port Louis
Investigation: Mauritian police investigators work at the scene of the crime at the Legends Hotel
General Manager Brice Lunot, accompanied by the hotel doctor, administered first aid to Michaela but it was too late.
Mr Lunot said: ‘I remember her eyes were closed and her body was very white. John was in the room. He was quite shocked.
‘He kept calling for an ambulance. He was saying, “Where is the ambulance? Where is the ambulance?”’
Inspector Jokoo said Mr McAreavey was still in a deep state of shock.
‘He is helping us with our inquiries as best he can but he is in a very bad shape,’ he added.
‘He is very emotional and he is obviously still suffering from the shock of his wife being murdered on their honeymoon.’
Mr McAreavey, a Down GAA player, had celebrated his marriage to the former Rose of Tralee contestant 11 days earlier at St Malachey’s Church, Ballymacilroy, in Co Tyrone on December 30.
His uncle, Bishop John McAreavey, concelebrated the Mass.
The couple had started their honeymoon in Dubai before flying to Mauritius, where they had planned to remain until this Sunday.
Difficult times: Mickey Harte (centre), is comforted at the family home outside Ballygawley in Co Tyrone after speaking about the death of his daughter Michaela
Mr McAreavey’s brother and one of Michaela’s three brothers was due to land in Mauritius today to help support the grieving husband.
Yesterday, management at Legends Hotel said they were providing all support to the grieving families and to police.
In a statement the hotel said: ‘Certain family members of the couple have advised us of their intention to travel to Mauritius.
‘Legends is arranging for a religious service to be held for the family of the deceased.’
Paul Jones, the chief executive of the hotel group, offered his condolences to the families.
He said: ‘I am distraught by this news. Every possible support will be given to the bereaved families and we thank the government for the assistance and co-operation that has been extended to us and the bereaved families as well.
‘The police are conducting an inquiry and we await the results of the investigation.’
Legends general manager Brice Lunot said a special religious service had been organised.
Two priests were also called to assist Mr McAreavey yesterday.
Legends spokesman Julian Hagger said it had been the intention of Mr McAreavey to stay on at the hotel despite the tragedy but that the intense media scrutiny was making this difficult for him. He described Mr McAreavey as being ‘quite visibly heartbroken’.
He said he was ‘visibly still in shock and I believe will remain so for quite some time’.
In his statement yesterday, Mr Harte spoke at length about his son-in-law and pleaded with the media to leave the young man alone.
‘John has been a special lad – and he’d have to be a special lad if he was going to be Michaela’s husband,’ he said.
‘And I would ask now too – I know that John is out in Mauritius, he’s had an awful time and our hearts go out to him – and I would ask that the press corps out there please respect his privacy.
‘The lad is devastated and he’s our son in law, he’s a wonderful young man and please lay off. Let’s take this message here, let’s speak on his behalf.
Sorrow: Michaela's family home outside Ballygawley
‘He’s devastated and through us he wants to say leave him alone. Let him grieve, he’s in such a lonely place and even his own family members aren’t out there yet. So please, please back off.’
Mauritius Tourism Minister Nando Bodha was interviewed on The Last Word on Today FM yesterday.
He said he had spoken to Mr McAreavey earlier and had asked if there was anything he would like him to mention while on air.
He said that Mr McAreavey replied: ‘I love my wife.’
GAA president Christy Cooney last night joined the flood of tributes to Michaela, who was a passionate GAA supporter.
‘Michaela was a familiar face to so many GAA followers up and down the country,’ he said. Her radiant smile, passion for life and interest in all things Gaelic were immediately obvious to anyone who crossed her path.
‘The loss to those who loved her most must be incalculable at this most difficult time. Her presence at not only football matches but in so many areas of life will be sadly missed at a time when she and her husband should have been planning a bright future together.’
In the final lines of his tribute to his daughter, Mr Harte said yesterday: ‘Twenty-seven years of a wonderful, lovely wee girl who grew up into a beautiful lady and she’s just radiant and she’s just so special and she’ll always be special to me and this family.
‘And we will miss her so much but we’ll love her to bits and her spirit is with us because it has to be now because how else could I say this if it wasn’t.’ Despite the tragedy, Mr Harte has said that his Tyrone team’s Dr McKenna Cup game against Fermanagh should go ahead at the weekend.
Friends gather at family home where bridal flowers remain
Michaela’s devastated friends and family gathered at the Harte home yesterday to lend their support. Just two weeks ago, many had watched as the 27-year-old married the ‘man of her dreams’ at nearby St Malachey’s Church.
Poignantly, bridal flowers remained scattered at the house last night, while the church still contained the remnants of the bouquets of red carnations and white lilies made for the ceremony on December 30.
Her father Mickey – who held her by his side after each of his three-in-a-row All Ireland Championships – had received the terrible phone call on Monday evening telling him his daughter had died in her hotel room.
So tragic: Michaela and John's Wedding flowers still on display at St Malacheys Church, Ballymacilrory, near the family home yesterday
He told a friend early yesterday that his daughter’s new father-in-law had broken the news, adding that he, ‘didn’t know how he had managed to make the call to me and I didn’t know in the name of God how I was going to break this to my family and friends’.
Michaela’s brother Mark has travelled to Mauritius to comfort his brother-in-law. Mr Harte’s close friend Micheál Ó Muirchaertaigh offered the family his condolences yesterday.
The GAA commentator said: ‘Mickey is a strong man but I have never seen him so saddened, shattered, and Marian is in pieces. It’s just awful to see. They are a lovely family and Michaela was a beautiful girl.
‘I’ve known Mickey for years and Michaela was taking after her father, she loved GAA too. She was extraordinarily happy and loved life. She adored her father, they were so close – this is nothing short of horrific.’
Michaela’s mother Marion was said to be completely ‘exhausted and shattered’ yesterday.
St Malachy’s parish priest Fr Michael Seery said: ‘Michaela was a beautiful girl, full of life and vivacious. She was a fine teacher and she was a devoted Catholic, like her father and mother.
‘The flowers from the wedding are still on the altar. It’s hard to believe what has happened, it’s just horrifying because they were only married here a matter of days ago.
'The wedding was a beautiful day and it was enjoyed by all. ‘Michaela was a pioneer and very respected in the community. She used to give talks to the teenagers making their Confirmation in a bid to help them abstain from drinking.
‘She had a very strong faith and I hope that the kind of faith the whole family have will help them through. The whole community just want to send their condolences to the family.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1346353/Michaela-McAreavey-honeymoon-murder-Husband-John-pays-tribute-3-men-charged.html#ixzz1B2SLxQUE
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:07 AM on 13th January 2011
Comments (130) Add to My Stories
Heartbroken: John McAreavey and Michaela Harte on their wedding day. She was found strangled in a bathtub on their honeymoon in Mauritius
The body of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey was on its way home to Ireland today as her heartbroken husband spoke of his loss.
Three hotel workers have been charged in connection with her murder on the paradise island of Mauritius and remanded in custody. They could face up to 45 years in jail.
In a statement, her devastated husband John spoke of his 'beautiful wife, best friend and rock' in a moving tribute and said that he now had 'an angel' looking over him.
The 30-year-old said: 'Words have no meaning.
'My beautiful wife, my best friend, my rock Michaela, has been taken from me and I still can't take it in.
'Our hopes, our dreams and our future together are gone. I am heartbroken and like Mickey, Marian, Michaela's brothers and my family, I am totally devastated.
'I love my wife, very, very much and my world revolved around her. I can't describe in words how lost I feel as Michaela is not just the light of my life - she is my life.
'I appreciate all the prayers and messages of support. I pray that God gives us the strength and faith that Michaela has, to cope with our horrific loss.
'She is a gift from God and I now have an angel.
'Our families now need the time, privacy and space to make the necessary arrangements to take Michaela home.'
John and her brother Mark were in Mauritius as her coffin was taken from the hospital morgue to the airport, where it will be flown to London on the first stage of her journey back home.
Relatives hope her remains will arrive in London sometime early on Friday morning and then be flown on to Belfast.
It is expected her funeral will take place in Co Tyrone early next week - in the same church where she wed only weeks ago.
In Mauritius, the men accused over her death, all employed at the luxury Legends Hotel where the newlywed teacher was found strangled, appeared in Mapou Court on the north of the island.
Two were charged with murder and one with conspiracy to murder.
Mauritius police said the two men charged with the 27-year-old's murder were Abinash Treeboowoon, 29, a room attendant from Plaine des Roches, and Sandip Moneea, 41, a floor supervisor from Petit Raffray.
Room attendant Raj Theekoy, 33, faced the conspiracy charge.
During a brief hearing they spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth, police said.
Magistrate Bono Mally remanded them in police custody for a week and they will return to court next Wednesday, when they are expected either to be formally charged or released.
Earlier, local police said: ‘A speedy end to the investigation is in sight.’
But claims of police brutality against a suspect threaten to destabilise the case.
And tensions within the investigation emerged as claims by the Police Commissioner’s Office that two of the men had confessed were strenuously denied by the Major Criminal Investigations Team.
Meanwhile, the horrific details of her final moments on the paradise island of Mauritius have emerged.
The 27-year-old’s body was discovered by her husband half submerged in the bathtub of their hotel bedroom on Monday afternoon, with the water still running.
Police suspect that her killers placed her body in the bath in an attempt to make her death look like a suicide drowning.
Police commissioner Tishur Ranpersad revealed that the evidence against the suspects is circumstantial.
'They have not confessed but we have circumstantial sort of evidence but we are trying to find some other evidence to link them to the charge,' he said.
He said the use of a key card to open the couple's bedroom door was critical to the case.
'Not all people have access to these cards,' he said.
The police chief also confirmed that Mrs McAreavey may have tried to fight off her attacker.
Suspects (l to r): Sandip Monnea, Avinash Treebohun and Raj Theekoy are led into the court by plainclothes policemen in Port Louis, Mauritius yesterday
'There is some signs, indications, that she might have struggled. From what we have obtained from her nails, the collections we have obtained from her nails, it looks like there may have been some struggle,' he said.
He said officers identified the suspects by checking who had access to the ground floor of the hotel and the rooms on that level.
'I suspect the guy was in trying to rob and the lady caught him red-handed. I'm just guessing,' the Commissioner told RTE Radio.
'I'm saying we have a very open mind. There may have been some other guy who did the job,' he said.
It is hoped a trial will take place within six months.
Mr McAreavey's tribute follows one from Michaela's father Mickey, the celebrated manager of Ireland's Tyrone gaelic football team, who described his murdered daughter Michaela as 'a gem'.
He said: ‘It’s the worst of the worst, our hearts are just broken,’
‘This is our day to bear this cross.’
Flanked by two of his three sons, Matthew and Michael, he said: ‘She was a gem and we’ll always remember her. She was a lovely girl, a wonderful daughter, a brilliant sister, and we will always treasure her.
Mickey Harte - manager of Tyrone gaelic football team - with two of his sons, Matthew (left) and Michael, speaking about the death of his daughter Michaela, at the family home outside Ballygawley in Co Tyrone
Luxury holiday: A view of the swimming pool at the five-star Legends Hotel in Mauritius, where the newlywed couple were staying
She was a beautiful girl. She couldn’t be better, couldn’t be nicer. God love her, we are so, so sorry. Our hearts are broken.
‘I just want to say that I know lots of people have had this experience before and I’ve tried to empathise with them. But you can’t get the feeling unless you’ve been there, and God save anybody from having to be in this place.’
Devastated: Mickey Harte with daughter Michaela on the day of her wedding
He later told friends: ‘There must be some meaning in this, but right now, I can’t see it.’
Data taken from the door’s electronic lock revealed that her attacker entered the room at 2.42pm, just two minutes before Michaela.
The intruder is believed to have used one of three magnetic skeleton key cards that can unlock all room doors and are given to room service employees.
She and her husband of just 11 days, had been eating lunch at a poolside restaurant when she decided to return to the hotel room to collect some biscuits.
Inspector Ranjig Jokoo said: ‘We believe Michaela might have been seen by her intruder, who was already in the room to commit a theft.
‘We believe that the person killed her because they did not want her to identify them to police later.
‘I cannot say as yet whether it was definitely a member of staff or an ex member of staff or if, maybe, it was someone who was just familiar with the hotel’s computerised key card system.
‘But we have some of the staff from the hotel helping us to know what happened and they are the first persons who need to be interrogated.’
Local journalist Gilles Martial said that police believed her body had been moved to the bathtub after she was murdered.
He told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘It appears they put her body in the bathtub and then turned on the tap and half-filled the bathtub to simulate a suicide drowning.’
But a post-mortem examination later revealed she had died of strangulation after a violent struggle.
There were cuts and bruises to her body and head, and pieces of dead skin were found under her fingernails.
Swabs have been taken from the scene and sent for further testing.
There are no CCTV cameras in the corridor outside her room.
The Central Investigation Division in Mauritius was questioning up to ten suspects last night.
Inspectors yesterday said all staff on duty that day who had access to room key cards were being questioned.
Local police chief Supt Yussuf Soopun said he firmly believed that the perpetrator was local.
Michaela’s husband discovered her body just after 3pm after becoming concerned that she had not returned to the poolside restaurant where they had been dining.
Detectives said Mr McAreavey could not gain access to the room because he had left his key card in a pocket of his clothes in the room.
He went downstairs to summon hotel staff and when he returned to Room 1025 he found his wife’s body in the bathtub.
One of the three suspects, Sandip Monnea, who has been charged with the murder of Michaela McAreavey, sits inside a police vehicle outside of a courthouse in Port Louis
Investigation: Mauritian police investigators work at the scene of the crime at the Legends Hotel
General Manager Brice Lunot, accompanied by the hotel doctor, administered first aid to Michaela but it was too late.
Mr Lunot said: ‘I remember her eyes were closed and her body was very white. John was in the room. He was quite shocked.
‘He kept calling for an ambulance. He was saying, “Where is the ambulance? Where is the ambulance?”’
Inspector Jokoo said Mr McAreavey was still in a deep state of shock.
‘He is helping us with our inquiries as best he can but he is in a very bad shape,’ he added.
‘He is very emotional and he is obviously still suffering from the shock of his wife being murdered on their honeymoon.’
Mr McAreavey, a Down GAA player, had celebrated his marriage to the former Rose of Tralee contestant 11 days earlier at St Malachey’s Church, Ballymacilroy, in Co Tyrone on December 30.
His uncle, Bishop John McAreavey, concelebrated the Mass.
The couple had started their honeymoon in Dubai before flying to Mauritius, where they had planned to remain until this Sunday.
Difficult times: Mickey Harte (centre), is comforted at the family home outside Ballygawley in Co Tyrone after speaking about the death of his daughter Michaela
Mr McAreavey’s brother and one of Michaela’s three brothers was due to land in Mauritius today to help support the grieving husband.
Yesterday, management at Legends Hotel said they were providing all support to the grieving families and to police.
In a statement the hotel said: ‘Certain family members of the couple have advised us of their intention to travel to Mauritius.
‘Legends is arranging for a religious service to be held for the family of the deceased.’
Paul Jones, the chief executive of the hotel group, offered his condolences to the families.
He said: ‘I am distraught by this news. Every possible support will be given to the bereaved families and we thank the government for the assistance and co-operation that has been extended to us and the bereaved families as well.
‘The police are conducting an inquiry and we await the results of the investigation.’
Legends general manager Brice Lunot said a special religious service had been organised.
Two priests were also called to assist Mr McAreavey yesterday.
Legends spokesman Julian Hagger said it had been the intention of Mr McAreavey to stay on at the hotel despite the tragedy but that the intense media scrutiny was making this difficult for him. He described Mr McAreavey as being ‘quite visibly heartbroken’.
He said he was ‘visibly still in shock and I believe will remain so for quite some time’.
In his statement yesterday, Mr Harte spoke at length about his son-in-law and pleaded with the media to leave the young man alone.
‘John has been a special lad – and he’d have to be a special lad if he was going to be Michaela’s husband,’ he said.
‘And I would ask now too – I know that John is out in Mauritius, he’s had an awful time and our hearts go out to him – and I would ask that the press corps out there please respect his privacy.
‘The lad is devastated and he’s our son in law, he’s a wonderful young man and please lay off. Let’s take this message here, let’s speak on his behalf.
Sorrow: Michaela's family home outside Ballygawley
‘He’s devastated and through us he wants to say leave him alone. Let him grieve, he’s in such a lonely place and even his own family members aren’t out there yet. So please, please back off.’
Mauritius Tourism Minister Nando Bodha was interviewed on The Last Word on Today FM yesterday.
He said he had spoken to Mr McAreavey earlier and had asked if there was anything he would like him to mention while on air.
He said that Mr McAreavey replied: ‘I love my wife.’
GAA president Christy Cooney last night joined the flood of tributes to Michaela, who was a passionate GAA supporter.
‘Michaela was a familiar face to so many GAA followers up and down the country,’ he said. Her radiant smile, passion for life and interest in all things Gaelic were immediately obvious to anyone who crossed her path.
‘The loss to those who loved her most must be incalculable at this most difficult time. Her presence at not only football matches but in so many areas of life will be sadly missed at a time when she and her husband should have been planning a bright future together.’
In the final lines of his tribute to his daughter, Mr Harte said yesterday: ‘Twenty-seven years of a wonderful, lovely wee girl who grew up into a beautiful lady and she’s just radiant and she’s just so special and she’ll always be special to me and this family.
‘And we will miss her so much but we’ll love her to bits and her spirit is with us because it has to be now because how else could I say this if it wasn’t.’ Despite the tragedy, Mr Harte has said that his Tyrone team’s Dr McKenna Cup game against Fermanagh should go ahead at the weekend.
Friends gather at family home where bridal flowers remain
Michaela’s devastated friends and family gathered at the Harte home yesterday to lend their support. Just two weeks ago, many had watched as the 27-year-old married the ‘man of her dreams’ at nearby St Malachey’s Church.
Poignantly, bridal flowers remained scattered at the house last night, while the church still contained the remnants of the bouquets of red carnations and white lilies made for the ceremony on December 30.
Her father Mickey – who held her by his side after each of his three-in-a-row All Ireland Championships – had received the terrible phone call on Monday evening telling him his daughter had died in her hotel room.
So tragic: Michaela and John's Wedding flowers still on display at St Malacheys Church, Ballymacilrory, near the family home yesterday
He told a friend early yesterday that his daughter’s new father-in-law had broken the news, adding that he, ‘didn’t know how he had managed to make the call to me and I didn’t know in the name of God how I was going to break this to my family and friends’.
Michaela’s brother Mark has travelled to Mauritius to comfort his brother-in-law. Mr Harte’s close friend Micheál Ó Muirchaertaigh offered the family his condolences yesterday.
The GAA commentator said: ‘Mickey is a strong man but I have never seen him so saddened, shattered, and Marian is in pieces. It’s just awful to see. They are a lovely family and Michaela was a beautiful girl.
‘I’ve known Mickey for years and Michaela was taking after her father, she loved GAA too. She was extraordinarily happy and loved life. She adored her father, they were so close – this is nothing short of horrific.’
Michaela’s mother Marion was said to be completely ‘exhausted and shattered’ yesterday.
St Malachy’s parish priest Fr Michael Seery said: ‘Michaela was a beautiful girl, full of life and vivacious. She was a fine teacher and she was a devoted Catholic, like her father and mother.
‘The flowers from the wedding are still on the altar. It’s hard to believe what has happened, it’s just horrifying because they were only married here a matter of days ago.
'The wedding was a beautiful day and it was enjoyed by all. ‘Michaela was a pioneer and very respected in the community. She used to give talks to the teenagers making their Confirmation in a bid to help them abstain from drinking.
‘She had a very strong faith and I hope that the kind of faith the whole family have will help them through. The whole community just want to send their condolences to the family.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1346353/Michaela-McAreavey-honeymoon-murder-Husband-John-pays-tribute-3-men-charged.html#ixzz1B2SLxQUE
But is a knight in shining armour for Fianna Fail willing to step up to the plate?
THE dramatic events around Leinster House have all the elements of a heave – except a ringleader.
But is a knight in shining armour for Fianna Fail willing to step up to the plate?
The joke among Fine Gael TDs was that at least Richard Bruton pulled the trigger, even if his aim was way off target.
While the big three of Brian Lenihan, Micheal Martin and Mary Hanafin want Cowen to go, they don't want to be blamed for producing the big stick to prod him out.
But it’s now clear they will have to do their own dirty work if they want to take his place at the helm.
The backbenchers can lodge their motion of no confidence, and may well have to, however they really don't want to do that to Cowen.
The Taoiseach is not a quitter but those closest to him are turning towards Michael Martin as a new leader – or even Mary Hanafin if it came to it.
The big loser here is Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, with a belief in some party circles that his supporters have been stoking the recent fires and encouraging the “jump before you're pushed” talk about Cowen.
Despite the opposition to Cowen's leadership among the members, a blessing from him would still be a massive boost for a potential successor.
Micheal Martin knows this.
BLESSED
He's the clean boy of the party who has already been blessed enough to holed up in the Department of Foreign Affairs bunker for economic crisis.
On the other hand, Mr Lenihan has been in the eye of the storm. He's associated with words like IMF, bailout, e about his legacy than party bankers and austerity.
His supporters argue that Martin has been in Cabinet for 13 years and can therefore not be absolved from the Government's wrongdoing – but Martin is certainly not the face of it.
In the coming days, loyalties will be the first things to go over the cliff. Cowen may well be next and after that the real battle will begin.
With TDs facing a bleak future, they know that the right choice of leader could save as many as 15 seats in a General Election.
But history suggests that whoever launches a heave may not necessarily be victorious in a leadership contest.
DESPERATE
Contenders often select a bogey candidate to lead the march before stepping in to take the glory.
However, on this occasion many backbenchers are so desperate for a fresh start that they may well back the first man or woman out of the blocks.
In the coming days, loyalties will be the first things to go over the cliff. Cowen may well be next, and after that the real battle will begin
But is a knight in shining armour for Fianna Fail willing to step up to the plate?
The joke among Fine Gael TDs was that at least Richard Bruton pulled the trigger, even if his aim was way off target.
While the big three of Brian Lenihan, Micheal Martin and Mary Hanafin want Cowen to go, they don't want to be blamed for producing the big stick to prod him out.
But it’s now clear they will have to do their own dirty work if they want to take his place at the helm.
The backbenchers can lodge their motion of no confidence, and may well have to, however they really don't want to do that to Cowen.
The Taoiseach is not a quitter but those closest to him are turning towards Michael Martin as a new leader – or even Mary Hanafin if it came to it.
The big loser here is Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, with a belief in some party circles that his supporters have been stoking the recent fires and encouraging the “jump before you're pushed” talk about Cowen.
Despite the opposition to Cowen's leadership among the members, a blessing from him would still be a massive boost for a potential successor.
Micheal Martin knows this.
BLESSED
He's the clean boy of the party who has already been blessed enough to holed up in the Department of Foreign Affairs bunker for economic crisis.
On the other hand, Mr Lenihan has been in the eye of the storm. He's associated with words like IMF, bailout, e about his legacy than party bankers and austerity.
His supporters argue that Martin has been in Cabinet for 13 years and can therefore not be absolved from the Government's wrongdoing – but Martin is certainly not the face of it.
In the coming days, loyalties will be the first things to go over the cliff. Cowen may well be next and after that the real battle will begin.
With TDs facing a bleak future, they know that the right choice of leader could save as many as 15 seats in a General Election.
But history suggests that whoever launches a heave may not necessarily be victorious in a leadership contest.
DESPERATE
Contenders often select a bogey candidate to lead the march before stepping in to take the glory.
However, on this occasion many backbenchers are so desperate for a fresh start that they may well back the first man or woman out of the blocks.
In the coming days, loyalties will be the first things to go over the cliff. Cowen may well be next, and after that the real battle will begin
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cowen aims to seal party allies before Dail grilling
Cowen aims to seal party allies before Dail grilling
THE Cabinet met this morning as Brian Cowen moved to try and firm up support within Fianna Fail.
Although the Taoiseach was set to be grilled about 'golfgate' by the Opposition in the Dail this evening, he was believed to be more concerned about the views of his own TDs.
The Green Party has backed Mr Cowen to continue leading the Government until the Finance Bill is passed but his own ministers and backbenchers are said to be less sure.
"It's a pretty awful position to be in. Every time you think that things can't get any worse, they do. Nobody saw it coming that he had played golf with Seanie," one source told the Herald.
The Cabinet meeting was also set to discuss what pieces of legislation will be rushed through the Oireachtas before an election is called.
But with Mr Cowen set to stand in front of the Dail, Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore were poised to turn the focus back on his interactions with former Anglo Irish Bank boss Sean FitzPatrick.
Speaking ahead of the new Dail term, Mr Gilmore said that gardai should demand answers from Mr Cowen as part of their investigation into the downfall of Anglo Irish.
"I presume that the gardai will question the Taoiseach about what Mr FitzPatrick said to him," he said.
Fine Gael's Alan Shatter made a similar call and also criticised John Gormley for continuing to support the Government.
"John Gormley has admitted that the Taoiseach should have disclosed earlier his contacts with Sean FitzPatrick in 2008.
"I am now calling on John Gormley to clarify whether he regards the Taoiseach's failure to co-operate with the garda investigation into Anglo as improper and whether he has yet asked the Taoiseach to assist the Garda in its inquiries."
A meeting of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party tomorrow is also likely to be taken up by debate about the Taoiseach's contact with Mr FitzPatrick.
And the party suffered another blow last night when Sligo-North Leitrim TD Jimmy Devins announced his retirement.
Although Mr Devins was outside the party whip, he was still considered a supporter of the Government.
He said that the removal of breast cancer services from Sligo General Hospital was one of the main factors in his decision. He resigned the party whip in August 2009 for the same reason.
He is the 13th Fianna Fail TD to announce that he will not be contesting the election
THE Cabinet met this morning as Brian Cowen moved to try and firm up support within Fianna Fail.
Although the Taoiseach was set to be grilled about 'golfgate' by the Opposition in the Dail this evening, he was believed to be more concerned about the views of his own TDs.
The Green Party has backed Mr Cowen to continue leading the Government until the Finance Bill is passed but his own ministers and backbenchers are said to be less sure.
"It's a pretty awful position to be in. Every time you think that things can't get any worse, they do. Nobody saw it coming that he had played golf with Seanie," one source told the Herald.
The Cabinet meeting was also set to discuss what pieces of legislation will be rushed through the Oireachtas before an election is called.
But with Mr Cowen set to stand in front of the Dail, Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore were poised to turn the focus back on his interactions with former Anglo Irish Bank boss Sean FitzPatrick.
Speaking ahead of the new Dail term, Mr Gilmore said that gardai should demand answers from Mr Cowen as part of their investigation into the downfall of Anglo Irish.
"I presume that the gardai will question the Taoiseach about what Mr FitzPatrick said to him," he said.
Fine Gael's Alan Shatter made a similar call and also criticised John Gormley for continuing to support the Government.
"John Gormley has admitted that the Taoiseach should have disclosed earlier his contacts with Sean FitzPatrick in 2008.
"I am now calling on John Gormley to clarify whether he regards the Taoiseach's failure to co-operate with the garda investigation into Anglo as improper and whether he has yet asked the Taoiseach to assist the Garda in its inquiries."
A meeting of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party tomorrow is also likely to be taken up by debate about the Taoiseach's contact with Mr FitzPatrick.
And the party suffered another blow last night when Sligo-North Leitrim TD Jimmy Devins announced his retirement.
Although Mr Devins was outside the party whip, he was still considered a supporter of the Government.
He said that the removal of breast cancer services from Sligo General Hospital was one of the main factors in his decision. He resigned the party whip in August 2009 for the same reason.
He is the 13th Fianna Fail TD to announce that he will not be contesting the election
McAreavey murder suspects could be held on remand for a year
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 ARCHIVES PICTURES
Ireland: Cloudy and unsettled with rain and drizz »
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McAreavey murder suspects could be held on remand for a year
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 02:44 PM
Criminal law in Mauritius is similar to the legal system Ireland and the UK, but with a French influence.
Ashveen Gopee, a barrister on the island, explained how suspects for the murder of honeymooner Michaela McAreavey could he held on remand for about one year, if necessary, as a case is built against them.
Mr Ashveen, of Astor Law Professionals in Port Louis, said once police believe they have substantial evidence against an arrested person, they would lodge a provisional charge of murder at a district court.
The case is heard by a magistrate, who is a trained lawyer, not a lay person.
“Bail acts are also similar to British law so the person would probably be denied bail,” said Mr Ashveen.
“A judicial inquiry will then be carried out by police officers and the case will be called back by the magistrate at different stages to see how the investigation is continuing.”
A formal charge of murder, or a lesser charge, is lodged against the person in one of the follow-up hearings.
Rarely, a magistrate will strike out a case over a lack of evidence against a suspect.
Mr Gopee revealed a suspect can be held in a police cell for 21 days, after which time he or she must be sent to a jail until the case goes to trial.
Murder cases are usually tried before a jury at the Assizes Court of Mauritius.
Mr Gopee said Mrs McAreavey’s murder has shocked people across the island.
“This is a very, very unfortunate case,” he added.
“For honeymooners to come to Mauritius and have this fate – everybody in Mauritius is quite shocked.”
Mauritian law is an amalgam of French and British legal tradition after the Indian Ocean island was colonised by the two nations.
During the French period, the island’s legal system was governed by the French Napoleonic Code, which remained in force under British rule
Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/mcareavey-murder-suspects-could-be-held-on-remand-for-a-year-489043.html#ixzz1ApsBFneb
Ireland: Cloudy and unsettled with rain and drizz »
0Share
McAreavey murder suspects could be held on remand for a year
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 02:44 PM
Criminal law in Mauritius is similar to the legal system Ireland and the UK, but with a French influence.
Ashveen Gopee, a barrister on the island, explained how suspects for the murder of honeymooner Michaela McAreavey could he held on remand for about one year, if necessary, as a case is built against them.
Mr Ashveen, of Astor Law Professionals in Port Louis, said once police believe they have substantial evidence against an arrested person, they would lodge a provisional charge of murder at a district court.
The case is heard by a magistrate, who is a trained lawyer, not a lay person.
“Bail acts are also similar to British law so the person would probably be denied bail,” said Mr Ashveen.
“A judicial inquiry will then be carried out by police officers and the case will be called back by the magistrate at different stages to see how the investigation is continuing.”
A formal charge of murder, or a lesser charge, is lodged against the person in one of the follow-up hearings.
Rarely, a magistrate will strike out a case over a lack of evidence against a suspect.
Mr Gopee revealed a suspect can be held in a police cell for 21 days, after which time he or she must be sent to a jail until the case goes to trial.
Murder cases are usually tried before a jury at the Assizes Court of Mauritius.
Mr Gopee said Mrs McAreavey’s murder has shocked people across the island.
“This is a very, very unfortunate case,” he added.
“For honeymooners to come to Mauritius and have this fate – everybody in Mauritius is quite shocked.”
Mauritian law is an amalgam of French and British legal tradition after the Indian Ocean island was colonised by the two nations.
During the French period, the island’s legal system was governed by the French Napoleonic Code, which remained in force under British rule
Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/mcareavey-murder-suspects-could-be-held-on-remand-for-a-year-489043.html#ixzz1ApsBFneb
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Hear the one about the Ryanair pilot who was arrested twice for being drunk and bit a garda
Hear the one about the Ryanair pilot who was arrested twice for being drunk and bit a garda
SIZE NORMALLARGEEXTRA LARGE
ALSO IN COURTS
Drunk roared at bouncers after row with girlfriend
1
A DRUNKEN Ryanair pilot tried to bite a garda when he went berserk at a city station after being arrested for hurling a traffic bollard into the street.
Patrick Taaffe (21) also threatened to "get" another officer "no matter what" after he was arrested for refusing to pay a taxi fare and making insulting remarks about the cabbie's wife.
The south Dublin pilot, who also studied law, was remanded on bail when he admitted a series of public order charges related to two drunken episodes.
Dublin District Court heard he was so drunk he did not remember the incidents.
Taaffe, of Shrewsbury Park, Ballsbridge, but currently based in Madrid, pleaded guilty to charges of violent behaviour in a garda station, public intoxication, being drunk and a danger to traffic and failing to pay a taxi fare.
Judge William Hamill adjourned the charges to find out further details of a previous public order case before making a decision.
The judge remarked that a conviction could have a "devastating" effect on the accused's career.
Detective Garda Ronan Judge told the court he was on patrol at College Green at 12.50am on October 31 last when he saw the accused throw a 6ft-long plastic red safety bollard from the footpath into the road.
When asked to remove it, he became verbally abusive and refused to give his details.
He was arrested and taken to Pearse Street Garda Station, where he attempted to bite another garda on the hand when being searched.
In the second incident, at Donnybrook Road on December 12, the accused refused to pay an €11.25 taxi fare.
Abusive
As he was being driven to a garda station, he made "abusive references to the taxi driver's wife".
He was highly intoxicated and while in custody, he became verbally abusive and aggressive.
He began trying to kick and strike out at the gardai present.
"He made several threats, he said he would get (a female garda) no matter what", the detective said.
He also called a garda sergeant a "fat c***".
The court heard a previous public order charge against him had been struck out.
The offences were "highly out of character" for the accused who was drunk on both occasions, his barrister said, adding: "He doesn't drink that often."
The defendant was contrite, had written letters of apology to the gardai and produced €20 in court for the taxi driver.
The court heard he was a newly qualified pilot.
"He spent a night in jail and this has really brought home to him the seriousness of his conduct and the implications for his career, and he understands how his career can be brought to a halt," his barrister added.
The court heard the defendant was at "the very beginning of a new career".
He had spent a year studying law in college before leaving to become a pilot.
Judge Hamill adjourned the case to a date in February
SIZE NORMALLARGEEXTRA LARGE
ALSO IN COURTS
Drunk roared at bouncers after row with girlfriend
1
A DRUNKEN Ryanair pilot tried to bite a garda when he went berserk at a city station after being arrested for hurling a traffic bollard into the street.
Patrick Taaffe (21) also threatened to "get" another officer "no matter what" after he was arrested for refusing to pay a taxi fare and making insulting remarks about the cabbie's wife.
The south Dublin pilot, who also studied law, was remanded on bail when he admitted a series of public order charges related to two drunken episodes.
Dublin District Court heard he was so drunk he did not remember the incidents.
Taaffe, of Shrewsbury Park, Ballsbridge, but currently based in Madrid, pleaded guilty to charges of violent behaviour in a garda station, public intoxication, being drunk and a danger to traffic and failing to pay a taxi fare.
Judge William Hamill adjourned the charges to find out further details of a previous public order case before making a decision.
The judge remarked that a conviction could have a "devastating" effect on the accused's career.
Detective Garda Ronan Judge told the court he was on patrol at College Green at 12.50am on October 31 last when he saw the accused throw a 6ft-long plastic red safety bollard from the footpath into the road.
When asked to remove it, he became verbally abusive and refused to give his details.
He was arrested and taken to Pearse Street Garda Station, where he attempted to bite another garda on the hand when being searched.
In the second incident, at Donnybrook Road on December 12, the accused refused to pay an €11.25 taxi fare.
Abusive
As he was being driven to a garda station, he made "abusive references to the taxi driver's wife".
He was highly intoxicated and while in custody, he became verbally abusive and aggressive.
He began trying to kick and strike out at the gardai present.
"He made several threats, he said he would get (a female garda) no matter what", the detective said.
He also called a garda sergeant a "fat c***".
The court heard a previous public order charge against him had been struck out.
The offences were "highly out of character" for the accused who was drunk on both occasions, his barrister said, adding: "He doesn't drink that often."
The defendant was contrite, had written letters of apology to the gardai and produced €20 in court for the taxi driver.
The court heard he was a newly qualified pilot.
"He spent a night in jail and this has really brought home to him the seriousness of his conduct and the implications for his career, and he understands how his career can be brought to a halt," his barrister added.
The court heard the defendant was at "the very beginning of a new career".
He had spent a year studying law in college before leaving to become a pilot.
Judge Hamill adjourned the case to a date in February
Golfer McIlroy tees up for new season without Holly
Rory joins the singles club after split with childhood sweetheart
OFF COURSE: Golfer McIlroy tees up for new season without Holly
Monday January 10 2011
SUPERSTAR golfer Rory McIlroy is getting over his love break-up by putting all his energy into his career.
The private athlete (22) has split with his childhood sweetheart Holly Sweeney (20) after a six-year romance.
But the golf prodigy isn't sitting at home licking his wounds, and is instead putting all his energies into his impressive career, counting down the moments ahead of a highly anticipated trip to Dubai today.
And while he may be used to seeing his name in the headlines, Rory is remaining tight-lipped about the split.
"Getting ready for another year on tour," he wrote on his Twitter page earlier this morning.
The Co Down native is jetting off to Dubai today to get some expert advice on his swing and celebrate his first time abroad as a publicly single man.
"Heading to Dubai tomorrow for a week of practice. First tournament is Abu Dhabi the week after. Then Dubai Desert Classic two weeks after that," he said.
The golf prodigy has put heartbreak behind him, and is now focusing on the important things in life, taking time to thank soldiers in the Middle East for putting their lives on the line to serve their countries.
Dating
"Just watched sky sports in Afghanistan. Puts things in perspective. Big shout out to all the men and women who serve their countries so well," he said.
The high profile pair began dating when he was just 16 and Holly was 14 in their native town of Holywood.
A source revealed that the pair called it quits because it simply wasn't "working out".
"He just felt things weren't working out with all the time they spend apart and thought the fairest thing for them was to let it go," the insider said.
In spite of being one of golf's most promising talents with a multi-million euro income -- he shunned the partying lifestyle, instead opting to spend his days off catching up with his parents or cozying up in his mansion with Holly.
McIlroy even famously stopped touring the US in order to stay based in Europe to be closer to his other half.
"Holly has another two years of uni' and we have two dogs, a nice house and I love my life back in Ireland, back in Europe and I don't ever want to give that up," he said at the time.
Brainy beauty Holly managed to avoid the stereotypical WAG image by planning an independent career, and is currently studying for a degree in sports technology at the University of Ulster
OFF COURSE: Golfer McIlroy tees up for new season without Holly
Monday January 10 2011
SUPERSTAR golfer Rory McIlroy is getting over his love break-up by putting all his energy into his career.
The private athlete (22) has split with his childhood sweetheart Holly Sweeney (20) after a six-year romance.
But the golf prodigy isn't sitting at home licking his wounds, and is instead putting all his energies into his impressive career, counting down the moments ahead of a highly anticipated trip to Dubai today.
And while he may be used to seeing his name in the headlines, Rory is remaining tight-lipped about the split.
"Getting ready for another year on tour," he wrote on his Twitter page earlier this morning.
The Co Down native is jetting off to Dubai today to get some expert advice on his swing and celebrate his first time abroad as a publicly single man.
"Heading to Dubai tomorrow for a week of practice. First tournament is Abu Dhabi the week after. Then Dubai Desert Classic two weeks after that," he said.
The golf prodigy has put heartbreak behind him, and is now focusing on the important things in life, taking time to thank soldiers in the Middle East for putting their lives on the line to serve their countries.
Dating
"Just watched sky sports in Afghanistan. Puts things in perspective. Big shout out to all the men and women who serve their countries so well," he said.
The high profile pair began dating when he was just 16 and Holly was 14 in their native town of Holywood.
A source revealed that the pair called it quits because it simply wasn't "working out".
"He just felt things weren't working out with all the time they spend apart and thought the fairest thing for them was to let it go," the insider said.
In spite of being one of golf's most promising talents with a multi-million euro income -- he shunned the partying lifestyle, instead opting to spend his days off catching up with his parents or cozying up in his mansion with Holly.
McIlroy even famously stopped touring the US in order to stay based in Europe to be closer to his other half.
"Holly has another two years of uni' and we have two dogs, a nice house and I love my life back in Ireland, back in Europe and I don't ever want to give that up," he said at the time.
Brainy beauty Holly managed to avoid the stereotypical WAG image by planning an independent career, and is currently studying for a degree in sports technology at the University of Ulster
Tragic Miriam sent a text to ask if anyone else felt sick
Tragic Miriam sent a text to ask if anyone else felt sick
www.keytraffic.com
By Ralph Riegel and Barry Duggan
Tuesday January 11 2011
A YOUNG woman texted her cousin asking if anyone else was feeling ill just hours before she died in a gas-filled hotel bedroom.
Tragic Miriam Reidy (35) fell ill hours before she eventually succumbed to the carbon monoxide fumes.She complained of feeling unwell at 5am but went back to bed.
Earlier, at 4.25am, Miriam had sent a text message to another cousin, Mairead Reidy, querying whether anyone else in their group had suddenly fallen ill. She was discovered dead in her bedroom just over seven hours later. Miriam died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning before she could be rushed to hospital.
It has also emerged that Miriam's sister, Patricia Reidy (37), desperately tried to save her. Patricia was found semi- conscious in the same room.
The women had been attending the hen party of their cousin, Marie Reidy. Marie, a nurse at Tralee General Hospital discovered the pair and tried to save them. While she was able to save the life of Patricia, it was too late for Miriam.
"Marie did everything she could to save them," said family friend Cllr John Sheahan.
"She performed CPR on Patricia until the paramedics arrived and it's thanks to her there seems to be some ray of hope for Patricia in Cork hospital."
Fighting
Patricia Reidy is now in a stable condition in Cork University Hospital (CUH) after spending 24 hours fighting for her life. She was overcome by the gas as she tried to help her sister in the bedroom they shared in the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, Co Cork.
Both Miriam and Patricia Reidy had been in Kinsale to celebrate the 'hen' weekend of their first cousin and Mairead's sister, Marie Reidy, who is due to get married in February.
The sisters had been out with a group of almost 30 women.
Patricia and Mairead were discovered on the floor of their room when friends went to check on them at 1pm after becoming concerned at their failure to meet up as arranged on Sunday.
Several other people in the hotel also received medical attention over the course of last Saturday night-Sunday morning after complaining of feeling ill, with symptoms including nausea, headaches and dizziness.
A couple in a room near the Reidy sisters sought medical attention on Saturday night and were referred to CUH.
Members of the Reidy family including the sisters' parents, John and Josephine, from Ballyhahill in Co Limerick, were maintaining a vigil at Patricia's bedside in CUH.
Her condition has stabilised and there is increasing optimism about her recovery
www.keytraffic.com
By Ralph Riegel and Barry Duggan
Tuesday January 11 2011
A YOUNG woman texted her cousin asking if anyone else was feeling ill just hours before she died in a gas-filled hotel bedroom.
Tragic Miriam Reidy (35) fell ill hours before she eventually succumbed to the carbon monoxide fumes.She complained of feeling unwell at 5am but went back to bed.
Earlier, at 4.25am, Miriam had sent a text message to another cousin, Mairead Reidy, querying whether anyone else in their group had suddenly fallen ill. She was discovered dead in her bedroom just over seven hours later. Miriam died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning before she could be rushed to hospital.
It has also emerged that Miriam's sister, Patricia Reidy (37), desperately tried to save her. Patricia was found semi- conscious in the same room.
The women had been attending the hen party of their cousin, Marie Reidy. Marie, a nurse at Tralee General Hospital discovered the pair and tried to save them. While she was able to save the life of Patricia, it was too late for Miriam.
"Marie did everything she could to save them," said family friend Cllr John Sheahan.
"She performed CPR on Patricia until the paramedics arrived and it's thanks to her there seems to be some ray of hope for Patricia in Cork hospital."
Fighting
Patricia Reidy is now in a stable condition in Cork University Hospital (CUH) after spending 24 hours fighting for her life. She was overcome by the gas as she tried to help her sister in the bedroom they shared in the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, Co Cork.
Both Miriam and Patricia Reidy had been in Kinsale to celebrate the 'hen' weekend of their first cousin and Mairead's sister, Marie Reidy, who is due to get married in February.
The sisters had been out with a group of almost 30 women.
Patricia and Mairead were discovered on the floor of their room when friends went to check on them at 1pm after becoming concerned at their failure to meet up as arranged on Sunday.
Several other people in the hotel also received medical attention over the course of last Saturday night-Sunday morning after complaining of feeling ill, with symptoms including nausea, headaches and dizziness.
A couple in a room near the Reidy sisters sought medical attention on Saturday night and were referred to CUH.
Members of the Reidy family including the sisters' parents, John and Josephine, from Ballyhahill in Co Limerick, were maintaining a vigil at Patricia's bedside in CUH.
Her condition has stabilised and there is increasing optimism about her recovery
“We didn’t think the water would come this high when it first started to rise”
“We didn’t think the water would come this high when it first started to rise”
Anton McNulty
“The water just stopped at the door [of the shop] and if it had rose an inch more we would have lost a lot more stock. We would be out of business completely and bankrupt,” explained Martin Corcoran as he waded through the water which rushed through his home and business the day before.
Martin who owes and runs Corcoran’s Drapery Shop on George Street in Newport is no stranger to floods but he told The Mayo News that last Thursday’s flooding was one of the worst he has seen.
Thousands of euro worth of stock was damaged in the flood which was half a foot deep in parts of his home the day after the flooding. The flat in the back of his premises was completely flooded with washing machines and other electrical appliances destroyed.
“This is not the first time I have been flooded but this was the worst I have seen it. There are rooms flooded that were never flooded before. I’d have lost about €10,000 in stock and it happened at the worst time running up to Christmas.
“The flat at the back of my house is totally destroyed. There were new carpets and floors put down and luckily there was no tenant there at the time but one was due to come.
“The water started to rise at about nine o’clock on Thursday morning and I called the emergency services and they were there all day until 11pm. It was rising all the time and they were just keeping it at bay.
“We didn’t think the water would come this high when it first started to rise. We thought it would go through the drain but we did not realise at the time it was blocked. When it was getting near the shop that was when started to get worried. Fair play to the fire brigade they did their best but the pump wasn’t taking the water fast enough.”
Maureen Sweeney who lives alone across the road from Corcoran’s said it was a nightmare living with the threat of flooding every time there is heavy rain. She was at work when the flooding got to her back door and only for the quick thinking of her neighbours her house which she is currently decorating would be worse off.
“It is a nightmare ... you can’t relax when there is heavy rain with the threat of flooding. The water came in my kitchen and if the fire brigade had not arrived it would be worse. This is no way to be living,” she said.
Anton McNulty
“The water just stopped at the door [of the shop] and if it had rose an inch more we would have lost a lot more stock. We would be out of business completely and bankrupt,” explained Martin Corcoran as he waded through the water which rushed through his home and business the day before.
Martin who owes and runs Corcoran’s Drapery Shop on George Street in Newport is no stranger to floods but he told The Mayo News that last Thursday’s flooding was one of the worst he has seen.
Thousands of euro worth of stock was damaged in the flood which was half a foot deep in parts of his home the day after the flooding. The flat in the back of his premises was completely flooded with washing machines and other electrical appliances destroyed.
“This is not the first time I have been flooded but this was the worst I have seen it. There are rooms flooded that were never flooded before. I’d have lost about €10,000 in stock and it happened at the worst time running up to Christmas.
“The flat at the back of my house is totally destroyed. There were new carpets and floors put down and luckily there was no tenant there at the time but one was due to come.
“The water started to rise at about nine o’clock on Thursday morning and I called the emergency services and they were there all day until 11pm. It was rising all the time and they were just keeping it at bay.
“We didn’t think the water would come this high when it first started to rise. We thought it would go through the drain but we did not realise at the time it was blocked. When it was getting near the shop that was when started to get worried. Fair play to the fire brigade they did their best but the pump wasn’t taking the water fast enough.”
Maureen Sweeney who lives alone across the road from Corcoran’s said it was a nightmare living with the threat of flooding every time there is heavy rain. She was at work when the flooding got to her back door and only for the quick thinking of her neighbours her house which she is currently decorating would be worse off.
“It is a nightmare ... you can’t relax when there is heavy rain with the threat of flooding. The water came in my kitchen and if the fire brigade had not arrived it would be worse. This is no way to be living,” she said.
40,000 home help hours cut in Mayo
40,000 home help hours cut in Mayo
Wednesday, 29 December 2010 13:04
40,000 home help hours cut in Mayo
Rowan Gallagher
HOME help carer users will have a year of respite after a string of cuts in the last four years according to the HSE Service Plan 2011 published last week.
The most vulnerable people in Mayo has been slashed in the last four years in order to meet government targets and to save money but the HSE confirmed that no further reductions in manpower hours would be enacted after last week publishing the 2011 service plan.
Home help hours in Mayo have been reduced by 40,000 hours in the past three years, according to new figures released by the HSE.
In 2007 and 2008, Mayo people were receiving 460,000 hours of home help but the figure was reduced by 10,000 hours in 2009. However, the most drastic reduction has been in the last twelve months when another 30,000 hours was taken away, leaving just 420,000 hours of home help available to Mayo people.
“This is an example of how front line services are being hit by the cut backs to the health service. In the majority of cases, home help is provided to some of the most vulnerable people in our society, elderly people and those who are confined to their homes. Home help isn’t just about someone calling in to a house and carrying out some practical duties.
“The person doing the home help provides a social contact for the elderly person that is absolutely vital. But the cut back in the hours has meant that this contact is reduced to the minimum, or in some cases, cut altogether” said Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony. “It’s a terrible way to treat people and this is an awful indictment of a Government of this country that assured us it would care for its elderly. But this is the opposite to caring, in fact it’s a betrayal of people and it’s something they should be deeply ashamed of,” he said.
The HSE issued a response to The Mayo News stating that although the hours had been cut they are still bringing new people into the scheme.
“It was necessary due to the significant budget curtailment to review all services being delivered in Mayo, including the Home Help Service.
The review methodology is the complete re-assessment of all individual cases. This re-assessment process is based on clear criteria and is applied evenly throughout the county.
“However, we are continuing to approve new clients and in fact the number of new recipients has increased to 500 new cases approved this year as against 487 for the same period last year. We are also continuing to increase services to existing clients where warranted within the parameters of the new criteria.
The Home Help Service is now being incorporated into a more concentrated delivery methodology in relation to Home Care Packages. We are now carrying out nationally prescribed assessment on all clients which may involve the Home Help service providing part of the service or other services being provided as part of a complete home care package. The effect of this new scheme will be more noticeable from the New Year.”
Wednesday, 29 December 2010 13:04
40,000 home help hours cut in Mayo
Rowan Gallagher
HOME help carer users will have a year of respite after a string of cuts in the last four years according to the HSE Service Plan 2011 published last week.
The most vulnerable people in Mayo has been slashed in the last four years in order to meet government targets and to save money but the HSE confirmed that no further reductions in manpower hours would be enacted after last week publishing the 2011 service plan.
Home help hours in Mayo have been reduced by 40,000 hours in the past three years, according to new figures released by the HSE.
In 2007 and 2008, Mayo people were receiving 460,000 hours of home help but the figure was reduced by 10,000 hours in 2009. However, the most drastic reduction has been in the last twelve months when another 30,000 hours was taken away, leaving just 420,000 hours of home help available to Mayo people.
“This is an example of how front line services are being hit by the cut backs to the health service. In the majority of cases, home help is provided to some of the most vulnerable people in our society, elderly people and those who are confined to their homes. Home help isn’t just about someone calling in to a house and carrying out some practical duties.
“The person doing the home help provides a social contact for the elderly person that is absolutely vital. But the cut back in the hours has meant that this contact is reduced to the minimum, or in some cases, cut altogether” said Fine Gael TD John O’Mahony. “It’s a terrible way to treat people and this is an awful indictment of a Government of this country that assured us it would care for its elderly. But this is the opposite to caring, in fact it’s a betrayal of people and it’s something they should be deeply ashamed of,” he said.
The HSE issued a response to The Mayo News stating that although the hours had been cut they are still bringing new people into the scheme.
“It was necessary due to the significant budget curtailment to review all services being delivered in Mayo, including the Home Help Service.
The review methodology is the complete re-assessment of all individual cases. This re-assessment process is based on clear criteria and is applied evenly throughout the county.
“However, we are continuing to approve new clients and in fact the number of new recipients has increased to 500 new cases approved this year as against 487 for the same period last year. We are also continuing to increase services to existing clients where warranted within the parameters of the new criteria.
The Home Help Service is now being incorporated into a more concentrated delivery methodology in relation to Home Care Packages. We are now carrying out nationally prescribed assessment on all clients which may involve the Home Help service providing part of the service or other services being provided as part of a complete home care package. The effect of this new scheme will be more noticeable from the New Year.”
Ill father 'forced to keep daughter home' after cuts
Ill father 'forced to keep daughter home' after cuts
By Brian McDonald - www.independent.ie
Tuesday September 07 2010
AN invalid in constant pain says he will have to keep his 14-year-old daughter out of school after his home care was slashed by the HSE.
Paul Martyn Smith (60), lives with his daughter, Lilly, in Killala, Co Mayo and had been getting by with one and a half hours of home help provided by the HSE five days a week.
Mr Smith has been receiving a disability allowance for the last 14 years because of a herniated disc problem which severely restricts his mobility.
His wife, Karen, died from bowel cancer four years ago, leaving Mr Smith solely responsible for caring for Lilly.
But he was recently informed that he was going to lose his care package because of cutbacks.
He immediately appealed and has now been told he will receive half an hour's home help five days a week.
"Half an hour is just not adequate. I need help some mornings even getting out of bed, and also with simple things like shopping and cleaning," he said yesterday.
"I just can't cope with having her at school and looking after her as I should," he added.
In a statement yesterday the HSE West said that it was necessary to review all services being delivered in Mayo.
It added: "Unfortunately, we are under extreme pressure with regard to expenditure."
SIPTU yesterday slammed the HSE response and accused it of drawing up its "so-called appeals procedure" on the back of a cigarette packet.
SIPTU organiser in the west, Colm Keaveney said: "Local services are being pulverised for the most vulnerable in Mayo. Management have absented themselves from critically important meetings that would have identified the resources that could have been used to protect front-line services."
- Brian McDonald
Irish Independent - http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ill-father-forced-to-keep-daughter-home-after-cuts-2327390.html
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By Brian McDonald - www.independent.ie
Tuesday September 07 2010
AN invalid in constant pain says he will have to keep his 14-year-old daughter out of school after his home care was slashed by the HSE.
Paul Martyn Smith (60), lives with his daughter, Lilly, in Killala, Co Mayo and had been getting by with one and a half hours of home help provided by the HSE five days a week.
Mr Smith has been receiving a disability allowance for the last 14 years because of a herniated disc problem which severely restricts his mobility.
His wife, Karen, died from bowel cancer four years ago, leaving Mr Smith solely responsible for caring for Lilly.
But he was recently informed that he was going to lose his care package because of cutbacks.
He immediately appealed and has now been told he will receive half an hour's home help five days a week.
"Half an hour is just not adequate. I need help some mornings even getting out of bed, and also with simple things like shopping and cleaning," he said yesterday.
"I just can't cope with having her at school and looking after her as I should," he added.
In a statement yesterday the HSE West said that it was necessary to review all services being delivered in Mayo.
It added: "Unfortunately, we are under extreme pressure with regard to expenditure."
SIPTU yesterday slammed the HSE response and accused it of drawing up its "so-called appeals procedure" on the back of a cigarette packet.
SIPTU organiser in the west, Colm Keaveney said: "Local services are being pulverised for the most vulnerable in Mayo. Management have absented themselves from critically important meetings that would have identified the resources that could have been used to protect front-line services."
- Brian McDonald
Irish Independent - http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ill-father-forced-to-keep-daughter-home-after-cuts-2327390.html
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Tyrone manager Mickey Harte and his daughter Michaella
Harte murder probe after paradise island honeymoon ends in horror
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte and his daughter Michaella
Michaela Harte: Book of Condolences
Harte tragedy: Cormac's grieving family stunned by Michaela death
GAA manager's daughter murdered
Priests poignant tribute to tragic Michaela Harte
Mickey's girl: Michaela was always at Harte's side
Michaela Harte: the little soulmate who predicted dad's success
Harte murder probe after paradise island honeymoon ends in horror
Detectives in Mauritius believe GAA boss Mickey Harte's daughter Michaela was strangled.
Ms Harte (27), a former Rose of Tralee contestant, was found dead in her Mauritius hotel where she was on honeymoon with new husband, Co Down footballer John McAreavey. Her devastated father, the three-time Tyrone All-Ireland winning manager, last night described Michaela as his "little jewel".
Superintendent Yoosoof Soopun, from the Mauritius Police Force, said officers had identified six potential suspects and were confident of an arrest later today.
He said Mr McAreavey was in the restaurant of the hotel when his wife was murdered.
"She had gone back to the room to get some biscuits to put in her tea and, when she failed to return, her husband went to look for her," he said.
"When he found her in the room, she had been killed. He tried to help her but she was already dead.
"A post-mortem has showed she was strangled, she died from neck compression."
Mr Soopun said the killer had used an electronic key card to enter the room.
"There was no forced entry into the room," he said.
"Whoever killed her definitely used an electronic card."
He added: "This is being viewed with much concern by the police and government of Mauritius. We are doing everything we can to find whoever was responsible."
Bishop John McAreavey, an uncle of the groom, married the couple on December 30 at St Malachy's Church at Ballymacilroy. Standing outside a parochial house in Banbridge, Co Down, he said many questions remained unanswered and Michaela could have been the victim of a crime outside of the two families.
He said: "We fear something happened. We have fears that that is what happened. There are still so many unanswered questions. We are upset that she is dead. That is what we are struggling to come to terms with."
Bishop McAreavey added: "We are like everyone else. We hope that the questions that surround her death will be answered. We hope in time the situation will become clearer."
To leave a message of condolence to the Harte family please click here
As an Irish diplomat flew into Mauritius from South Africa to assist both families, it emerged Mr McAreavey, Michaela's husband of just 11 days, found his wife dead in her room at Legends Hotel in Grand Gaube around 4pm.
He immediately raised the alarm with management and frantic attempts were made by one porter to revive Michaela with emergency heart massage.
Police were then called to the scene. A spokesman for police headquarters in Mauritius last night said Ms Harte had been found lying on her back on the floor near the bathtub.
However, he said it is still unclear what caused her death.
Ms Harte's father said in a statement that she had been "killed". Staff at the hotel claimed she died as a result of "an accident".
But Bishop McAreavey said he stood over using the expression "killed" in his joint statement with the Tyrone manager.
Police said last night there was no sign that an intruder had been in the room. She had not been suffering any ill health.
The couple arrived at the hotel on Saturday and were due to leave next Sunday. They had spent the first leg of their honeymoon in Dubai.
Ms Harte was found dead not long after she lunched with her husband. She went upstairs to rest but when she failed to reappear, he became concerned and discovered her body in their room. A hotel porter was nearby at the time. A second member of staff was summoned.
He went straight to the room and immediately tried to resuscitate the young teacher for half an hour.
As her distraught family at home in Co Tyrone were told the news, her body was being taken to the Princess Margaret Orthopaedic Centre in Mauritius. Hotel staff are also due to be interviewed. A post-mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday.
News of the death was met with an outpouring of sympathy and profound shock last night.
Mr Harte and Tyrone GAA were scarred by tragedy in 2004 when star player Cormac McAnallen (24) died from sudden cardiac arrest.
Last night, Cormac's mother Bridget said: "I really feel heartfelt sympathy for the family. I can imagine how they must feel."
Ms Harte, an Irish teacher at St Patrick's Girls Academy in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was famously close to her father, who drove the newly married couple to Dublin airport.
Journalist Adrian Logan, a former sports presenter with UTV, said: "Mickey adored her. She was his number one fan."
Mr Harte's wife Marian was left devastated some months ago when her mother passed away.
In a statement last night the hotel said it was shocked at the death and was cooperating with a police investigation.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/harte-murder-probe-after-paradise-island-honeymoon-ends-in-horror-15051159.html#ixzz1Aj1C4cZL
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte and his daughter Michaella
Michaela Harte: Book of Condolences
Harte tragedy: Cormac's grieving family stunned by Michaela death
GAA manager's daughter murdered
Priests poignant tribute to tragic Michaela Harte
Mickey's girl: Michaela was always at Harte's side
Michaela Harte: the little soulmate who predicted dad's success
Harte murder probe after paradise island honeymoon ends in horror
Detectives in Mauritius believe GAA boss Mickey Harte's daughter Michaela was strangled.
Ms Harte (27), a former Rose of Tralee contestant, was found dead in her Mauritius hotel where she was on honeymoon with new husband, Co Down footballer John McAreavey. Her devastated father, the three-time Tyrone All-Ireland winning manager, last night described Michaela as his "little jewel".
Superintendent Yoosoof Soopun, from the Mauritius Police Force, said officers had identified six potential suspects and were confident of an arrest later today.
He said Mr McAreavey was in the restaurant of the hotel when his wife was murdered.
"She had gone back to the room to get some biscuits to put in her tea and, when she failed to return, her husband went to look for her," he said.
"When he found her in the room, she had been killed. He tried to help her but she was already dead.
"A post-mortem has showed she was strangled, she died from neck compression."
Mr Soopun said the killer had used an electronic key card to enter the room.
"There was no forced entry into the room," he said.
"Whoever killed her definitely used an electronic card."
He added: "This is being viewed with much concern by the police and government of Mauritius. We are doing everything we can to find whoever was responsible."
Bishop John McAreavey, an uncle of the groom, married the couple on December 30 at St Malachy's Church at Ballymacilroy. Standing outside a parochial house in Banbridge, Co Down, he said many questions remained unanswered and Michaela could have been the victim of a crime outside of the two families.
He said: "We fear something happened. We have fears that that is what happened. There are still so many unanswered questions. We are upset that she is dead. That is what we are struggling to come to terms with."
Bishop McAreavey added: "We are like everyone else. We hope that the questions that surround her death will be answered. We hope in time the situation will become clearer."
To leave a message of condolence to the Harte family please click here
As an Irish diplomat flew into Mauritius from South Africa to assist both families, it emerged Mr McAreavey, Michaela's husband of just 11 days, found his wife dead in her room at Legends Hotel in Grand Gaube around 4pm.
He immediately raised the alarm with management and frantic attempts were made by one porter to revive Michaela with emergency heart massage.
Police were then called to the scene. A spokesman for police headquarters in Mauritius last night said Ms Harte had been found lying on her back on the floor near the bathtub.
However, he said it is still unclear what caused her death.
Ms Harte's father said in a statement that she had been "killed". Staff at the hotel claimed she died as a result of "an accident".
But Bishop McAreavey said he stood over using the expression "killed" in his joint statement with the Tyrone manager.
Police said last night there was no sign that an intruder had been in the room. She had not been suffering any ill health.
The couple arrived at the hotel on Saturday and were due to leave next Sunday. They had spent the first leg of their honeymoon in Dubai.
Ms Harte was found dead not long after she lunched with her husband. She went upstairs to rest but when she failed to reappear, he became concerned and discovered her body in their room. A hotel porter was nearby at the time. A second member of staff was summoned.
He went straight to the room and immediately tried to resuscitate the young teacher for half an hour.
As her distraught family at home in Co Tyrone were told the news, her body was being taken to the Princess Margaret Orthopaedic Centre in Mauritius. Hotel staff are also due to be interviewed. A post-mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday.
News of the death was met with an outpouring of sympathy and profound shock last night.
Mr Harte and Tyrone GAA were scarred by tragedy in 2004 when star player Cormac McAnallen (24) died from sudden cardiac arrest.
Last night, Cormac's mother Bridget said: "I really feel heartfelt sympathy for the family. I can imagine how they must feel."
Ms Harte, an Irish teacher at St Patrick's Girls Academy in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was famously close to her father, who drove the newly married couple to Dublin airport.
Journalist Adrian Logan, a former sports presenter with UTV, said: "Mickey adored her. She was his number one fan."
Mr Harte's wife Marian was left devastated some months ago when her mother passed away.
In a statement last night the hotel said it was shocked at the death and was cooperating with a police investigation.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/harte-murder-probe-after-paradise-island-honeymoon-ends-in-horror-15051159.html#ixzz1Aj1C4cZL
Monday, January 10, 2011
My night in a dublin hotel
Dear Mr. Byrne,
As you can see from the records I received an email on the 5th October 2010 from BOOKING.COM stating I had booked a single room at Leeson Lodge House (Hotel) for the night of the 12 th October 2010. This was followed by an email from "leeson bridge house confirming my request for a wheelchair accessible room.
So when I had my bags packed at home on the 12th I headed for Leeson Lodge House. I eventually got to a building called "Leeson Bridge House, so I pulled up outside and as there appeared to be no sign of a car I asked a chap who was passing if he would check out where I was to stay. I gave him the booking application that I was asked to printout to as to confirm my booking. So he went into the building and after a few minutes he came back out and said "you are booked into this place" as he had a letter confirming my booking with a swipe card of my room in it and he said that there was no one about. So much for security. He informed me that I would have to do a detour to get into the car. So I followed his directions and it led me into an alley which is at the back of the Lodge. So I proceeded down the alley and came to a large gate to find a man (who was to be the security man on duty) walking around smoking a cigarette and he was in his feet and had a shirt on. Anyhow, he got me parked in the car and took to where I was to stay which was room 107.
It was then that the problems started as I was confronted by a step that was not negotiable despite the security offering to fold my wheelchair if I were to walk into the room. So he phoned someone and I was very upset when he started to blame me and the design of my wheelchair been the cause of not able to into room. I even heard the chap on the other end of the phone saying "is he getting vexed yet" and yes I was. You probably know all the phoning conversations that went on before I got a room but I will write it anyhow and let the public out there what goes on in some establishments like yours as I will be putting it in my website and let the world judge for it. I was offered a room that had to be evacuated by a young couple who had taken it and to my surprise it was the room with an accessible toilet that had everything but a manual shower chair. Ok it had a portable one but that was to be useless for me. At this stage I had found out that the security man was to be called BRIAN. Now Brian asked them to move to another room so I decided to go across the road for a few beers as the sheets had to be changed on the bed. Access was by means of a ramp outside to door and they are supposed to comply with regulations but I was to find out that regulations were non existent in this building to my disadvantage!.
Despite everything I had a good sleep but my problems were not over yet as I had to get the help of two people to get me out of the room as I was too embarrassed to ask Brian. I had a cup of tea in the morning before I discharged myself. Brian took my bag from the room to the car park where I gave him 50 euro and he returned in a few minutes with an envelope that contained a complimentary paper signed on the back saying I paid 42.99 euro for room. On the front of paper was written "SPECIAL OFFER" Leeson Bridge Guesthouse is delighted to announce that we are now providing the full Irish Breakfast. As an opening special offer pleasant this voucher and enjoy the Full Irish Experience only for €55.00. I find that strange as there was no evidence of an Irish Breakfast when I was in it. That and receiving €6.02 change from €50. Brian could not get my change right. How can you explain why" I booked a room in a hotel and when I got there it was Lodge and when I was leaving it was a guesthouse and there was a sign on the wall saying B/B approved
As someone who really knows about access and believes I’m good at it your guesthouse/hotel or what you choose to call it is NOT accessible for wheelchairs and the interior ramps are extremely dangerous to people with reduced mobility.
Will I be calling again, do you think the place is accessible and I am incorrect in my statement.
Regards
Tom Chambers
PS. Apologies for not answering your comment section .
----- Original Message -----
From: Leeson Bridge
To: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2010 5:43 PM
Subject: Your Recent stay at Leeson Bridge Guest House
Dear Guest,
Here at Leeson Bridge Guest House we work constantly to enhance the quality of our service to our guests. Please take a moment of your time to fill out the following comment card to help make your next stay at Leeson Bridge Guest House more comfortable and our service more efficient.
About You
Purpose of your stay: Business Tourist Personal Other
Is this your first stay at Leeson Bridge Guest House? Yes No
Access, Reception and “Personal Meet and Greet” Guest Comment Card
Before you arrived, did you find our booking procedure? Fast Efficient Straight Forward Reliable _______________________________
Did you find our staff helpful, friendly and efficient? Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent
Comment: _____________________________________________________________________________
Your Accommodation
Did the accommodation meet your expectations? Yes No
Comments:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Were you happy with our Breakfast: Yes No
Is there anything else we could supply to make your stay more comfortable?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In Conclusion
Will you recommend Leeson Bridge Guest House to a friend? Yes No
Thank you for taking the time to fill out our comment sheet. We value your opinions and suggestions and look forward to your return custom.
Kind Regards,
Derek Byrne
Managing Director
Leeson Bridge Guesthouse
1, Upper Leeson Street
Dublin 4
Phone: +353 1 668 22 55
Fax: +353 1 668 14 44
Thomas Chambers
Access Campaigner
The Billy Ranch
Newport
Mayo
www.thomaschambers.blogspot.com
086 3552047
098 41545
As you can see from the records I received an email on the 5th October 2010 from BOOKING.COM stating I had booked a single room at Leeson Lodge House (Hotel) for the night of the 12 th October 2010. This was followed by an email from "leeson bridge house confirming my request for a wheelchair accessible room.
So when I had my bags packed at home on the 12th I headed for Leeson Lodge House. I eventually got to a building called "Leeson Bridge House, so I pulled up outside and as there appeared to be no sign of a car I asked a chap who was passing if he would check out where I was to stay. I gave him the booking application that I was asked to printout to as to confirm my booking. So he went into the building and after a few minutes he came back out and said "you are booked into this place" as he had a letter confirming my booking with a swipe card of my room in it and he said that there was no one about. So much for security. He informed me that I would have to do a detour to get into the car. So I followed his directions and it led me into an alley which is at the back of the Lodge. So I proceeded down the alley and came to a large gate to find a man (who was to be the security man on duty) walking around smoking a cigarette and he was in his feet and had a shirt on. Anyhow, he got me parked in the car and took to where I was to stay which was room 107.
It was then that the problems started as I was confronted by a step that was not negotiable despite the security offering to fold my wheelchair if I were to walk into the room. So he phoned someone and I was very upset when he started to blame me and the design of my wheelchair been the cause of not able to into room. I even heard the chap on the other end of the phone saying "is he getting vexed yet" and yes I was. You probably know all the phoning conversations that went on before I got a room but I will write it anyhow and let the public out there what goes on in some establishments like yours as I will be putting it in my website and let the world judge for it. I was offered a room that had to be evacuated by a young couple who had taken it and to my surprise it was the room with an accessible toilet that had everything but a manual shower chair. Ok it had a portable one but that was to be useless for me. At this stage I had found out that the security man was to be called BRIAN. Now Brian asked them to move to another room so I decided to go across the road for a few beers as the sheets had to be changed on the bed. Access was by means of a ramp outside to door and they are supposed to comply with regulations but I was to find out that regulations were non existent in this building to my disadvantage!.
Despite everything I had a good sleep but my problems were not over yet as I had to get the help of two people to get me out of the room as I was too embarrassed to ask Brian. I had a cup of tea in the morning before I discharged myself. Brian took my bag from the room to the car park where I gave him 50 euro and he returned in a few minutes with an envelope that contained a complimentary paper signed on the back saying I paid 42.99 euro for room. On the front of paper was written "SPECIAL OFFER" Leeson Bridge Guesthouse is delighted to announce that we are now providing the full Irish Breakfast. As an opening special offer pleasant this voucher and enjoy the Full Irish Experience only for €55.00. I find that strange as there was no evidence of an Irish Breakfast when I was in it. That and receiving €6.02 change from €50. Brian could not get my change right. How can you explain why" I booked a room in a hotel and when I got there it was Lodge and when I was leaving it was a guesthouse and there was a sign on the wall saying B/B approved
As someone who really knows about access and believes I’m good at it your guesthouse/hotel or what you choose to call it is NOT accessible for wheelchairs and the interior ramps are extremely dangerous to people with reduced mobility.
Will I be calling again, do you think the place is accessible and I am incorrect in my statement.
Regards
Tom Chambers
PS. Apologies for not answering your comment section .
----- Original Message -----
From: Leeson Bridge
To: thomaschambers@eircom.net
Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2010 5:43 PM
Subject: Your Recent stay at Leeson Bridge Guest House
Dear Guest,
Here at Leeson Bridge Guest House we work constantly to enhance the quality of our service to our guests. Please take a moment of your time to fill out the following comment card to help make your next stay at Leeson Bridge Guest House more comfortable and our service more efficient.
About You
Purpose of your stay: Business Tourist Personal Other
Is this your first stay at Leeson Bridge Guest House? Yes No
Access, Reception and “Personal Meet and Greet” Guest Comment Card
Before you arrived, did you find our booking procedure? Fast Efficient Straight Forward Reliable _______________________________
Did you find our staff helpful, friendly and efficient? Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent
Comment: _____________________________________________________________________________
Your Accommodation
Did the accommodation meet your expectations? Yes No
Comments:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Were you happy with our Breakfast: Yes No
Is there anything else we could supply to make your stay more comfortable?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In Conclusion
Will you recommend Leeson Bridge Guest House to a friend? Yes No
Thank you for taking the time to fill out our comment sheet. We value your opinions and suggestions and look forward to your return custom.
Kind Regards,
Derek Byrne
Managing Director
Leeson Bridge Guesthouse
1, Upper Leeson Street
Dublin 4
Phone: +353 1 668 22 55
Fax: +353 1 668 14 44
Thomas Chambers
Access Campaigner
The Billy Ranch
Newport
Mayo
www.thomaschambers.blogspot.com
086 3552047
098 41545
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