Kerry Today

John Downing of the Irish Independent reviews the week in politics.

Jerry spoke to Risteard Pierse from Tralee, who is back from a four-day trip to the Kingdom of Lesotho to witness the projects that Action Lesotho is  supporting. Tralee Rotary Club has been involved in securing funding of US$60,000 in the past year for certain horticultural projects being undertaken. Tralee solicitor Risteard was in Lesotho along with 12 other TPOTERs (Tralee Parkrunners On Tour).  For more: https://actionlesotho.ie/

Jerry spoke to Merlin Holland, the grandson of Oscar Wilde, who will be speaking at Listowel Writers’ Week next week. Merlin will be speaking to renowned author Colm Tóíbín.

Jerry spoke to Merlin Holland, the grandson of Oscar Wilde, who will be speaking at Listowel Writers’ Week next week. Merlin will be speaking to renowned author Colm Tóíbín.

Jerry spoke to Fine Gael councillor Angie Baily who wants  Kerry County Council to write to the Minister for Justice requesting the introduction of legislation to amend the Criminal Justice Act. Cllr Baily wants the act amended so that victim impact statements are heard as the final evidence before a sentence has been handed down to the accused who’s been found guilty. She says this should be allowed, unless the court, in the interests of justice, directs otherwise. If you’re affected, you may contact Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre https://www.krsac.com/ and the Crime Victims’ Helpline https://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/

Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill was present at the Oireachtas Media Committee hearing yesterday where RTÉ’s latest pay controversy came into focus. Deputy Cahill gives his views on this and on his call for a dedicated Irish sports channel. He also wants Killarney to be considered as a venue for EU Presidency summit meetings. Ireland takes over the presidency in July.

Jerry discussed the row that broke out in the Dáil yesterday between Mary Lou McDonald and Taoiseach Micheál Martin which culminated in the Sinn Féin leader calling the Taoiseach a “sleeveen”. Jerry also went through the origins of the word, ‘sleeveen’.

Jerry spoke to Dr Noeleen Smyth, assistant professor in environmental and sustainable horticulture at UCD about a new bureau that has been set up to tackle invasive species, including Asian hornets and Japanese knotweed. It will see the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Biodiversity Data Centre team up as part of efforts to combat threats to our native species and habitats.

Jerry spoke to Nick Kelly, who’s film ‘The Song Cycle’ will be screened this evening in Killarney at 8pm as part of the Kerry Film Festival. ‘The Song Cycle’ was the winner of the Best Independent Film at the 56th Galway Film Fleadh and the Audience Choice Award at the IFI Documentary Festival, ‘The Song Cycle’ tells the story of Nick’s attempt to travel by bicycle from Ireland to perform at the Glastonbury Festival, Nick first came to public attention as frontman with famed ‘90s band The Fat Lady Sings, and has subsequently been acclaimed for his work as an independent solo artist.

Jerry spoke to Radio Kerry’s Mark Lynch about an American tourist who has avoided a conviction after causing over €45,000 worth of criminal damage in one day in Kenmare. Judge David Waters gave 59-year-old Rodney Menolascina of SW McKinley Street, Gresham, Oregon, USA, the benefit of the Probation Act after he pleaded guilty to four charges.