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Your Quality Local Newspaper We deliver A registered newspaper at the G.P.O.
Tuesday, 4th October
27th September 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 27 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Lisdeel Fostering are currently looking for Families living in the North Dublin/ Louth/ Meath or Kildare Area for teenage boys and girls who require- Long Term Foster Care. We welcome enquiries from families, couples, and single individuals David is a 12 year old boy who enjoys computer games, model making, creative writing, history, athletics and loves the outdoors. He is an energetic and active boy with an avid curiosity for life. Contact with his family is very important to him. David will need active, energised, patient foster carers, good communicators who are very flexible and have experience looking after other peoples children. He should be the youngest child in the family who fosters him. A spare room is essential. If you would like more information please contact Patrick on 01 8625195 or 086 0452990. To become a Lisdeel foster carer it is essential that: • You have a spare bedroom for the child • You live in North County area or counties Louth, Meath or Kildare • We provide comprehensive training and post training support • Carers receive a weekly fostering allowance
We would be delighted to hear from you!
Kennedy Slams Martin F
ormer local Fianna Fail TD, Michael Kennedy believes that the decision of party leader, Micheál Martin not to run a party candidate in the upcoming Presidential election will play right into the hands of Sinn Fein and cause the demotion of Fianna Fail from being the main opposition party. He told the County Leader, “Micheál Martin set up a Fianna Fail sub committee to consider the party’s position on the Presidential election in the knowledge that Brian Crowley had expressed a wish to be selected as a candidate.” Crowley is Ireland’s longest serving MEP and has served on the Council of State, which advises the President on issues of state. In spite of this, Martin approached a reluctant and hesitant, Gay Byrne with the offer of Fianna Fail signatures to ensure he would be a candidate. A furious Kennedy maintains that this was a wrong move by the party leader. “This is bad for party morale, when the leader can dismiss one of his own members without allowing the subcommittee or Parliamentary party to consider the issue. Brian Crowley is an articulate man and a proven poll topper and would do very well in the upcoming election ” he said. The action taken by Martin against Senator Labhrás O Murchú, which forced the senator to withdraw from the race is another bone of contention for Kennedy. “Are the 33 TDs and Senators not entitled to to voice an opinion which is contrary to the party leader without it being cited as an affront to the leader?,” he asks. Kennedy feels that Martin’s role in the whole affair is helping to promote Sinn Fein as the main opposition party. “Despite Sinn Fein having a lower percentage than Fianna Fail in the last general election, they have decided to run Martin McGuinness, a former IRA member as a candidate. If Fianna Fail considers itself to be a national party, it must act as one by contesting elections. Kennedy is disappointed that Fianna Fail does not see contesting this presidential election as important, bearing in mind that the new president will preside over the 100th anniversary of the 1916 rising.
It is quite possible that Sinn Fein could win this election by gaining the support of the traditional nationalist Fianna Fail voters and Micheál Martin must in that event, take responsibility for the demotion of Fianna Fail to fourth behind Sinn Fein. If Fianna Fail are running a candidate in the Dublin West by-election, despite poor opinion polls, then why not contest the Presidency?” asks Kennedy. “The view held by many members of the general public and other candidates, is that David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon should be given the opportunity to become candidates and is one Michael Kennedy that I personally support. I am equally disappointed that Micheál Martin denied Fianna Fail TDs and Senators a free vote to nominate other candidates, particularly when he was allowing his Councillors to back outside Continued on page 21
Cullen’s Rugby Move Will Not Affect GAA Having made history by becoming the first Dublin skipper in 16 years to lift Sam Maguire, Bryan Cullen’s next big tasks will be to help deliver success for Leinster rugby. The Dublin County Board has confirmed that Leinster Rugby has appointed Cullen as one of its new coaches. The Skerries Harps man answered
an advertisement some time ago and his wish was granted. The 27-year old will begin work with the European champions as a strength and conditioning coach with their academy in the coming weeks. The County Leader asked him about his future career with the Dublin team, and his answer will be sweet Continued on page 21
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