Confusion over proposal to cut 152 council jobs
Thursday, 21 April 2011 09:55
Confusion over proposal to cut 152 council jobs
Trevor Quinn
Calls for a special meeting of Mayo County Council to discuss the proposal to shed 152 council jobs are growing louder.
The first came from Charlestown-based Sinn Fein councillor Gerry Murray, who is demanding clarification on the cuts, which first came to light last Tuesday, April 19.
Fianna Fáil councillor Damien Ryan is submitting a letter this afternoon to Caoitherleach Michael Burke also calling for a special meeting. The letter contains ten signatures, including those of Cllr Blackie Gavin, Cllr Rose Conway-Walsh, Cllr Michael McNamara, Cllr Richard Flynn and Cllr Murray.
Clarification Needed
Speaking to The Mayo News, Cllr Murray said that the proposed job losses need to be discussed. “We need to know the sectors in which these job losses are likely to occur, and whether there any way of avoiding them,” he said.
“In recent years there has been a large number of retirements, and due to the public service recruitment embargo, these people have not been replaced. It’s important that we seek the views of the executive on a number of areas in relation to this.”
Confusion
Cllr Murray is adamant that the proposed special meeting should be held as soon as possible. The future of the authority’s machinery yard is another issue which Cllr Murray says needs to be addressed. Plans to ‘downgrade’ the facility have been proposed, but it unclear whether the ensuing job losses would be included in the proposed figure of 152.
Recent plans to downgrade the facility have been strongly opposed by a number of elected members in recent days after county engineer and director of capital services Joe Beirne admitted that the council is struggling to maintain services and jobs at the yard in Moneen, Castlebar.
Cllr Murray says, “If we relinquish our plant and machinery, we will be at the mercy of the private sector. We have a skeletal number of staff as it is. The task of even the most basic of requirements like filling a pothole will take an extremely long time to do.”
'Put up or shut up'
The strong lobbying position of Fine Gael (17 on the 32-seat council) is of paramount importance in addressing these matters. Cllr Murray is calling for a clear and concise consensus from the party representatives, which he says is long overdue. “We need some clarification of where Fine Gael are and what their plans are. It’s time for them to put up or shut up.”
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Disability-access campaigner targeted by thieves
Disability access campaigner targeted by thieves
TUESDAY, 19 APRIL 2011 09:21
Disability-access campaigner targeted by thieves
Trevor Quinn
Newport native Tom Chambers (pictured) says that he has suffered sleep deprivation since intruders broke on to his property and stole over €550 worth of home heating oil in the early hours of Thursday, April 7, last.
Tom, who is a well-known campaigner and activist for improved disability access in Mayo, says he is distraught that he no longer feels safe in his own home. He is paralysed from the waist down.
“People know you’re vulnerable when they see that you’re living alone and are in a wheelchair,” he told The Mayo News. “I live on a busy roadway with a lot of people coming and going. It’s frightening and your sceptical about every little noise. It’s very hard to go to sleep at night.”
Tom has seen a lot of suspicious activity in recent times. One man in particular regularly peers out of a passing vehicle which moves at a snail’s pace. “I’ve seen a van acting suspiciously in the area in recent weeks. I’ve seen it seven or eight times driving at five miles an hour down the road. Usually vehicles drive at speed around here so it’s unusual to see vehicles going that slow.”
Tom’s fuel tank is visible from the main road, and he believes this meant that the thieves thought a quick and seemingly easy theft could be arranged. Now he is afraid to fill his tank for fear that the dastardly criminals could return.
“It’s not unusual,” he exclaims, “There are people monitoring homes and people. One of the gardaí who called to investigate my oil theft told me that he had oil stolen from his tank a few weeks back.”
Tom is pessimistic about the potential of security locks and devices for his oil tank. “A lot of the oil thieves come with big clippers now and they can cut through everything.”
He says the presence of community police has been decimated in recent years and the interaction and communication between law enforcement and local people has suffered. “They’re up in the barracks full-time. People should see them more instead of them coming down once a week asking Joe Bloggs what’s happening.”
Tom, who lives alone, recalls another incident last summer when a man brazenly walked into his house and said his wife had been in touch before taking out a measuring tape and asking him “Where do you want this back kitchen built?”
Tom tricked the man in to believing that he was not alone and thankfully the man left. The incident left him shaken, angry and frightened. He wonders why relatively small amounts of money can motivate these people to cause such grievous harm. “If they only asked for a few bob I’d give it to them.”
Once a month, Tom partakes in a Jeet Kune Do Self Defence Programme which introduces real self-defence techniques to people who have sustained a spinal cord injury. He says the programme has been very beneficial in helping with balance, fitness and confidence
TUESDAY, 19 APRIL 2011 09:21
Disability-access campaigner targeted by thieves
Trevor Quinn
Newport native Tom Chambers (pictured) says that he has suffered sleep deprivation since intruders broke on to his property and stole over €550 worth of home heating oil in the early hours of Thursday, April 7, last.
Tom, who is a well-known campaigner and activist for improved disability access in Mayo, says he is distraught that he no longer feels safe in his own home. He is paralysed from the waist down.
“People know you’re vulnerable when they see that you’re living alone and are in a wheelchair,” he told The Mayo News. “I live on a busy roadway with a lot of people coming and going. It’s frightening and your sceptical about every little noise. It’s very hard to go to sleep at night.”
Tom has seen a lot of suspicious activity in recent times. One man in particular regularly peers out of a passing vehicle which moves at a snail’s pace. “I’ve seen a van acting suspiciously in the area in recent weeks. I’ve seen it seven or eight times driving at five miles an hour down the road. Usually vehicles drive at speed around here so it’s unusual to see vehicles going that slow.”
Tom’s fuel tank is visible from the main road, and he believes this meant that the thieves thought a quick and seemingly easy theft could be arranged. Now he is afraid to fill his tank for fear that the dastardly criminals could return.
“It’s not unusual,” he exclaims, “There are people monitoring homes and people. One of the gardaí who called to investigate my oil theft told me that he had oil stolen from his tank a few weeks back.”
Tom is pessimistic about the potential of security locks and devices for his oil tank. “A lot of the oil thieves come with big clippers now and they can cut through everything.”
He says the presence of community police has been decimated in recent years and the interaction and communication between law enforcement and local people has suffered. “They’re up in the barracks full-time. People should see them more instead of them coming down once a week asking Joe Bloggs what’s happening.”
Tom, who lives alone, recalls another incident last summer when a man brazenly walked into his house and said his wife had been in touch before taking out a measuring tape and asking him “Where do you want this back kitchen built?”
Tom tricked the man in to believing that he was not alone and thankfully the man left. The incident left him shaken, angry and frightened. He wonders why relatively small amounts of money can motivate these people to cause such grievous harm. “If they only asked for a few bob I’d give it to them.”
Once a month, Tom partakes in a Jeet Kune Do Self Defence Programme which introduces real self-defence techniques to people who have sustained a spinal cord injury. He says the programme has been very beneficial in helping with balance, fitness and confidence
Monday, April 18, 2011
Passenger with disabilities denied boarding on a flight against EU regulations
Passenger with disabilities denied boarding on a flight against EU regulations
People with disabilities have the right to travel and take planes.
But sometimes they find problems to take a plane
when they are travelling alone.
The decision taken by an airline of preventing a passenger with disabilities to take his flight goes against EU regulations. A report by the Vice President of the Commission responsible for transport Siim Kallas confirms this procedure is not legal.
On 4 April, Shuaib Chalklen, a UN Special Rapporteur on Disability and wheelchair user, was informed that he would not be able to travel unaccompanied on his flight London-Geneva, as he could not independently use the sanitary facilities. The standard time for the route London-Geneva is 1h40 and the passenger was used to travel for professional reasons.
Shuaib Chalklen
The EU regulation concerning the rights of disabled people and persons with reduced mobility when traveling by air "prohibits operators from refusing reservation or boarding to persons because of their disability". These rules apply to all commercial passenger air services on departure, transit or arrival within the territory of a Member State. The only exception to this rule can be made "in order to meet applicable safety requirements established by international, Community or national law.
On 11 April, Transport Commissioner Kallas published a report on this regulation, mentioning that some carriers "tend to mix up requirements related to flight safety". The denial of boarding must only be done for flight safety reasons. The Commissioner also recognized there are still problems with the implementation of the regulation.
Disability organisations encourage the inclusion of the disability perspective in airline staff trainings in order to limit barriers to the free movement of people with disabilities
People with disabilities have the right to travel and take planes.
But sometimes they find problems to take a plane
when they are travelling alone.
The decision taken by an airline of preventing a passenger with disabilities to take his flight goes against EU regulations. A report by the Vice President of the Commission responsible for transport Siim Kallas confirms this procedure is not legal.
On 4 April, Shuaib Chalklen, a UN Special Rapporteur on Disability and wheelchair user, was informed that he would not be able to travel unaccompanied on his flight London-Geneva, as he could not independently use the sanitary facilities. The standard time for the route London-Geneva is 1h40 and the passenger was used to travel for professional reasons.
Shuaib Chalklen
The EU regulation concerning the rights of disabled people and persons with reduced mobility when traveling by air "prohibits operators from refusing reservation or boarding to persons because of their disability". These rules apply to all commercial passenger air services on departure, transit or arrival within the territory of a Member State. The only exception to this rule can be made "in order to meet applicable safety requirements established by international, Community or national law.
On 11 April, Transport Commissioner Kallas published a report on this regulation, mentioning that some carriers "tend to mix up requirements related to flight safety". The denial of boarding must only be done for flight safety reasons. The Commissioner also recognized there are still problems with the implementation of the regulation.
Disability organisations encourage the inclusion of the disability perspective in airline staff trainings in order to limit barriers to the free movement of people with disabilities
Disabled woman sues Ryanair
Disabled woman sues Ryanair after husband is forced to give her fireman’s lift to get her on plane
By Andrew Levy
Last updated at 4:55 PM on 14th April 2011
Comments (55) Add to My Stories Humiliated: Wheelchair-bound Jo Heath, 57, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was left sitting beside the Ryanair plane after a hydraulic lift failed to turn up
A disabled woman successfully sued Ryanair after her husband was forced to carry her onto a flight using a fireman’s lift.
Wheelchair-bound Jo Heath, 57, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was left sitting beside the plane after a hydraulic lift failed to turn up.
After waiting for 30 minutes she and her husband Paul, 56, asked the crew and pilot for help but they refused in case they hurt themselves.
In the end, Mr Heath had to sling his ten stone wife over his shoulder and clamber up the stairs on his own as ground staff, crew members and passengers looked on.
Mrs Heath has now won £1,750 compensation for the humiliation she suffered after Ryanair breached its contract by failing to provide the assistance she had ordered and contravening disability discrimination laws.
In a damning verdict on the budget airline, a judge said all it ‘was interested in was getting the plane airborne in time’.
Mrs Heath, a mother-of-two from Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire, said: ‘When I was carried onto the plane, everyone was looking over their seats to see what was happening.
‘It was humiliating and distressing. They treated me like an inconvenience, not a passenger. I was made to feel like it was my fault.
‘I’m not terribly impressed with the payout but it’s not a question of money. It’s about standing up for people with disabilities so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1376905/Abandoned-tarmac-Disabled-woman-left-sitting-plane-Ryanair-wouldnt-fetch-lift.html#ixzz1Jt0KvvQ5
By Andrew Levy
Last updated at 4:55 PM on 14th April 2011
Comments (55) Add to My Stories Humiliated: Wheelchair-bound Jo Heath, 57, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was left sitting beside the Ryanair plane after a hydraulic lift failed to turn up
A disabled woman successfully sued Ryanair after her husband was forced to carry her onto a flight using a fireman’s lift.
Wheelchair-bound Jo Heath, 57, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was left sitting beside the plane after a hydraulic lift failed to turn up.
After waiting for 30 minutes she and her husband Paul, 56, asked the crew and pilot for help but they refused in case they hurt themselves.
In the end, Mr Heath had to sling his ten stone wife over his shoulder and clamber up the stairs on his own as ground staff, crew members and passengers looked on.
Mrs Heath has now won £1,750 compensation for the humiliation she suffered after Ryanair breached its contract by failing to provide the assistance she had ordered and contravening disability discrimination laws.
In a damning verdict on the budget airline, a judge said all it ‘was interested in was getting the plane airborne in time’.
Mrs Heath, a mother-of-two from Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire, said: ‘When I was carried onto the plane, everyone was looking over their seats to see what was happening.
‘It was humiliating and distressing. They treated me like an inconvenience, not a passenger. I was made to feel like it was my fault.
‘I’m not terribly impressed with the payout but it’s not a question of money. It’s about standing up for people with disabilities so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1376905/Abandoned-tarmac-Disabled-woman-left-sitting-plane-Ryanair-wouldnt-fetch-lift.html#ixzz1Jt0KvvQ5
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Mayo garda comments investigated
Mayo garda comments investigated
Related
Transcript of recording | 05/04/2011External
Shell To SeaAn Garda Siochana The Irish Times takes no responsibility for the content
or availability of other websitesLORNA SIGGINS, Western Correspondent
A senior Garda officer has been appointed to investigate the treatment of two women who were arrested during protests over the Corrib gas project late last week.
Members of the force were inadvertently recorded on a video camera they had earlier confiscated joking about threatening to deport and rape one of the women who had refused to give her name to officers.
The video camera was not fully switched off after it was seized by gardaí and it recorded exchanges between several gardaí in the vehicle in which they were travelling.
The two women were arrested on a public road last Thursday about 30 minutes after one of them had been taken down from the roof of a tractor hired for Shell’s preparatory work on the Corrib gas pipeline at Aughoose.
Both women were released without charge.
They are upset about the exchanges that were recorded and say they were manhandled by several officers during their arrest near the Shell compound for the new Corrib gas pipeline route in north Mayo.
The woman who was carrying the video camera says she had her arms forced until she dropped the camera, and sustained bruising. Her colleague says she was treated in an “unnecessarily physical fashion”.
Both women said they wished not to be named, and neither wanted to comment on the record on the incident.
Supt Pat Diskin of Belmullet Garda station said a senior garda from outside the division had been appointed to “establish the facts and report on the matter”.
The women were arrested for public order-related offences, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
An academic at NUI Maynooth, where one of the women is studying, has condemned as “outrageous” the content of some recorded conversation.
The camera on which the exchanges were recorded is believed to have been the property of the college.
It was some hours after their release that the women discovered their camera, which was returned to them, had not been switched off.
It was in the possession of gardaí leaving the scene in a separate car, and during the journey it had recorded exchanges between several gardaí.
One garda can be heard on the tape saying that one of the women “sounds like a Yank or Canadian”. Another garda said: “well, whoever, we’ll get immigration f***ing on her.”
A more senior garda picked up the conversation, saying “she refused to give her name and address and [was] told she would be arrested”.
“And deported,” his colleague continued. “And raped,” the more senior garda said.
The conversation continued in jocular fashion, with the more senior garda saying: “Give me your name and address or I’ll rape you.”
Amid some laughter, another garda said: “Hold it there, give me your name and address there, I’ll rape you.”
“Or I’ll definitely rape you,” the more senior garda responded.
The 37-minute recording also features differences of opinion between the gardaí in the car over use of equipment and training to deal with protests.
One garda expressed concern about responsibility in court proceedings if a protester was injured during removal, and it transpired that there was insufficient equipment or training. His senior disagreed, and said it was a matter of “common sense”.
Dr Bríd Connolly, lecturer in NUI Maynooth’s adult and community education department, confirmed that one of the women arrested was a student at the college.
“This recording is an affront to women, an affront to freedom to protest, and rape is not a joking matter,” Dr Connolly said.
“How can women who have been assaulted have any confidence in the Garda if this is the sort of attitude that prevails?
“It undermines the work done with the Garda by rape crisis centres and Women’s Aid, and takes us back 40 to 50 years,” Dr Connolly added
Related
Transcript of recording | 05/04/2011External
Shell To SeaAn Garda Siochana The Irish Times takes no responsibility for the content
or availability of other websitesLORNA SIGGINS, Western Correspondent
A senior Garda officer has been appointed to investigate the treatment of two women who were arrested during protests over the Corrib gas project late last week.
Members of the force were inadvertently recorded on a video camera they had earlier confiscated joking about threatening to deport and rape one of the women who had refused to give her name to officers.
The video camera was not fully switched off after it was seized by gardaí and it recorded exchanges between several gardaí in the vehicle in which they were travelling.
The two women were arrested on a public road last Thursday about 30 minutes after one of them had been taken down from the roof of a tractor hired for Shell’s preparatory work on the Corrib gas pipeline at Aughoose.
Both women were released without charge.
They are upset about the exchanges that were recorded and say they were manhandled by several officers during their arrest near the Shell compound for the new Corrib gas pipeline route in north Mayo.
The woman who was carrying the video camera says she had her arms forced until she dropped the camera, and sustained bruising. Her colleague says she was treated in an “unnecessarily physical fashion”.
Both women said they wished not to be named, and neither wanted to comment on the record on the incident.
Supt Pat Diskin of Belmullet Garda station said a senior garda from outside the division had been appointed to “establish the facts and report on the matter”.
The women were arrested for public order-related offences, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
An academic at NUI Maynooth, where one of the women is studying, has condemned as “outrageous” the content of some recorded conversation.
The camera on which the exchanges were recorded is believed to have been the property of the college.
It was some hours after their release that the women discovered their camera, which was returned to them, had not been switched off.
It was in the possession of gardaí leaving the scene in a separate car, and during the journey it had recorded exchanges between several gardaí.
One garda can be heard on the tape saying that one of the women “sounds like a Yank or Canadian”. Another garda said: “well, whoever, we’ll get immigration f***ing on her.”
A more senior garda picked up the conversation, saying “she refused to give her name and address and [was] told she would be arrested”.
“And deported,” his colleague continued. “And raped,” the more senior garda said.
The conversation continued in jocular fashion, with the more senior garda saying: “Give me your name and address or I’ll rape you.”
Amid some laughter, another garda said: “Hold it there, give me your name and address there, I’ll rape you.”
“Or I’ll definitely rape you,” the more senior garda responded.
The 37-minute recording also features differences of opinion between the gardaí in the car over use of equipment and training to deal with protests.
One garda expressed concern about responsibility in court proceedings if a protester was injured during removal, and it transpired that there was insufficient equipment or training. His senior disagreed, and said it was a matter of “common sense”.
Dr Bríd Connolly, lecturer in NUI Maynooth’s adult and community education department, confirmed that one of the women arrested was a student at the college.
“This recording is an affront to women, an affront to freedom to protest, and rape is not a joking matter,” Dr Connolly said.
“How can women who have been assaulted have any confidence in the Garda if this is the sort of attitude that prevails?
“It undermines the work done with the Garda by rape crisis centres and Women’s Aid, and takes us back 40 to 50 years,” Dr Connolly added
Friday, April 01, 2011
Latest bank rescue grabs the headlines
Latest bank rescue grabs the headlines
Screengrab of the homepage of the 'Financial Times' websiteRelated
BoI and AIB shares rise after €24 billion put into banks | 01/04/2011Portugal's borrowing costs rise | 01/04/2011Bank of Ireland and merged AIB-EBS to form pillars of Irish banking sector | 01/04/2011In worst-case scenario bad mortgage debts could total EUR9.5bn by end 2013 | 01/04/2011Banking Crisis Some international media reaction to Ireland’s latest bank rescue plan:
Call the fat lady: Ireland’s banking horror show must end now. Its four surviving banks will require €24 billion of new capital after Thursday’s stress test results. That brings the amount of public money poured down the drain since they were felled by the global financial crisis of 2008 to €70 billion – 45 per cent of gross domestic product - Financial Times.
Mr Honohan said the latest tests were designed to draw a line under the banks' problems and help them return to normality. However, investors remain sceptical that even these harsher tests and new capital raisings will bring an end to Ireland's problems. – The Telegraph
Ireland’s bill for bailing out the banks has climbed to over €70 billion, equivalent to half the annual wealth of the country – Le Monde
Ireland is on track to nationalise its banking sector after its government uncovered a €24 billion capital shortfall in the latest round of "stress tests" of top banks. That gap will be plugged largely by taxpayers. – Wall Street Journal
Portugal on Thursday disclosed new and larger budget deficits for last year, and Ireland said its banks need tens of billions of dollars in additional capital. The fresh round of bad news is likely to further shake confidence in Europe’s ability to resolve its lingering financial problems anytime soon – Washington Post
A higher-than-expected budget deficit in Portugal and the need for more money to rescue Ireland’s failing banks have renewed fears that Europe’s debt crisis is worsening despite its sizable bailout fund - New York Times
Irish banks have become highly dependent on short-term loans from the ECB, but the country's credit rating has been hit over the bailout and continued concerns the extent of the banking sector's problems – Sydney Morning Herald
Screengrab of the homepage of the 'Financial Times' websiteRelated
BoI and AIB shares rise after €24 billion put into banks | 01/04/2011Portugal's borrowing costs rise | 01/04/2011Bank of Ireland and merged AIB-EBS to form pillars of Irish banking sector | 01/04/2011In worst-case scenario bad mortgage debts could total EUR9.5bn by end 2013 | 01/04/2011Banking Crisis Some international media reaction to Ireland’s latest bank rescue plan:
Call the fat lady: Ireland’s banking horror show must end now. Its four surviving banks will require €24 billion of new capital after Thursday’s stress test results. That brings the amount of public money poured down the drain since they were felled by the global financial crisis of 2008 to €70 billion – 45 per cent of gross domestic product - Financial Times.
Mr Honohan said the latest tests were designed to draw a line under the banks' problems and help them return to normality. However, investors remain sceptical that even these harsher tests and new capital raisings will bring an end to Ireland's problems. – The Telegraph
Ireland’s bill for bailing out the banks has climbed to over €70 billion, equivalent to half the annual wealth of the country – Le Monde
Ireland is on track to nationalise its banking sector after its government uncovered a €24 billion capital shortfall in the latest round of "stress tests" of top banks. That gap will be plugged largely by taxpayers. – Wall Street Journal
Portugal on Thursday disclosed new and larger budget deficits for last year, and Ireland said its banks need tens of billions of dollars in additional capital. The fresh round of bad news is likely to further shake confidence in Europe’s ability to resolve its lingering financial problems anytime soon – Washington Post
A higher-than-expected budget deficit in Portugal and the need for more money to rescue Ireland’s failing banks have renewed fears that Europe’s debt crisis is worsening despite its sizable bailout fund - New York Times
Irish banks have become highly dependent on short-term loans from the ECB, but the country's credit rating has been hit over the bailout and continued concerns the extent of the banking sector's problems – Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Detroit mother jailed after standoff to be released
.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
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.
Advertisement
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
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
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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
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