Please have a look at my April newsletter, available here.

 All comments welcome!

I visited this school last Friday morning to meet a 2nd year class. I gave a short presentation on politics and life in the Oireachtas.

In my presentation I mentioned that we were speaking a few hours before the Greek press conference that announced the need for help from other EU countries. I used this as an example for how political decisions impact on the lives of citizens.

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“The community of Cabra is shocked and appalled by this latest gangland murder,” local Fine Gael Senator Paschal Donohoe said today (Saturday).

“This murder happened in a peaceful area, and the shockwaves will be felt for some time. It’s vital that the Government uses new gangland laws to the maximum extent. Read More…

The number of buses on Dublin’s streets will fall back to levels last seen in 2001 if Dublin Bus gets away with its plan to axe routes, services and 90 vehicles, Fine Gael Seanad Transport Spokesman and Dublin Central Senator Paschal Donohoe has warned.

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I’ve spent the last few nights at public meetings across the constituency
dealing with really intense local issues. By intense I mean a resident
living beside a house that has around 30 people living illegally in it. Or persistent anti social behaviour in lanes behind homes.

The first meeting was in the North Strand, the second one was in Gardiner Street. Other engagements follow later in the week.

All of this has really impressed on me the real problems of urban living in the midst of an economic depression. Unemployment goes up, services are cut and ordinary city dwellers lose. Councillor Ray McAdam and I will be following up on these matters with the City Council but I really appreciate the frustration of residents and we’ll do all we can to help.

On a sunnier note the above is a photo that I took of St Joseph’s Church on Berkeley Road this morning. Sun shining, flowers blooming and beautiful buildings looking great.