 I've got to go. All right, we'll chat. We'll do the chat next week, right? OK. It is the night till noon show. We have our Friday panel assembling as we speak. We're going to introduce them and hear their views on some of the big stories of the day in the week. That's all coming up after a news update now from Donald Kavanaugh. Thank you, Greg. Good morning. The thongester has told the doll he believes the National Standards Authority of Ireland is reviewing its definitions of defective block causes to ensure the latest research on the issue is being reflected. B. Hall-Martin was responding to independent Donny Gull to read Thomas Pringle who pointed out the findings of new research which show the extent to which deleterious materials other than mica are at the heart of the crisis. He says that must be taken into account. A peer-reviewed study has been published by Andreas Lehman. The study clearly shows that pirate and other substances are the cause of the defective block issue. The National Standards Authority of Ireland needs to take that on board. Will you contact the National Standards Authority of Ireland to hear that they amend ISO 465 to reflect this as a matter of urgency? My understanding is they are reviewing it and I'll check that again for the deputy. We are very anxious to keep moving in respect of the mica scheme. Homeless charities are urging those at risk of eviction to get in touch as soon as possible. The eviction ban will lapse at midnight tonight after being introduced last October. Motions and counter-motions were voted upon in the doll this week but the government will proceed with the ending of the moratorium. Wayne Stanley is Executive Director of Simon Communities of Ireland. He says there are supports for those affected. Reach out to their local Simon community, reach out to their local authority, reach out to citizens information, gather up as much information as you can, as quickly as you can. This is not your fault. There's nothing to feel ashamed of or I know people talk about as parents feeling ashamed that they can't provide for their children or as individuals starting to feel hopeless. People who are at risk of homelessness aren't the cause of this crisis. A man arrested while trying to flee the country on a flight out of Belfast International Airport remains in police custody. The PSNI say the 31-year-old who was wanted by Gar thee on suspicion of rape was apprehended yesterday. He'll appear at the next available extradition court in Belfast. And Donegal County Council is to liaise with changemakers Donegal to secure fair trade town status for more areas of the county. At a meeting this week, Councillor Jack Murray successfully moved a motion seeking support to have three towns in the nation. Bunkrana, Bali Liffen and Lon Mani designated as fair trade towns. He's also secured a commitment from the council that it will continue to follow fair trade principles. Councillor Murray says it's good that Donegal is seen to be taking the lead. We know that an entire town signed update. All the local businesses have agreed that they're supplying fair trade. It's reassuring to those consumers that we're not exploiting everybody and everybody is getting a fair wage. I'm delighted that Donegal County Council is one of the biggest employers in the county are going to lead out in this. They're going to work with changemakers Donegal. We're going to ensure that any functions that we have, that any teas or coffees are supplied within the council, we'll be ensuring that they're sourced in a fair, environmentally friendly way. Mostly cloudy today with spells of rain or drizzle. Heavy at times, top temperatures 10 to 12 degrees Celsius this afternoon. Moderate northwest debris is developing some mist and cloud low on hills. That's how the news were back with news again at 10 o'clock. Supervalu makes saving money as easy as one, two, three. One, we match Aldi and the products you love. Two, great special offers like lure coffee pods, 20 pack and Pepsi nine pack cans, five Euro, exclusive to real rewards members only. And three, money off vouchers every week on the app. So follow the one, two, three and save money at Supervalu. Decencies apply. And now it's time for the talk of the Northwest, the Ninth & Noon Show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. Hello, good morning. Four minutes past nine on this Friday, the 31st of March, 2023. You're very welcome along to another edition of the Ninth & Noon Show. Great to be back in studio here in Letter Kenny. Thanks to Donegal for the cover on days during the week. And of course, if you were listening, hopefully, we were over in Brussels for a special programme just to see what goes on over there, talk to a lot of the people that make decisions or at least try to on our behalf, bumping into students from Donegal who are over there and so on and so forth. If you missed that programme, by the way, I think it's well worth a listen or watch back. It's on our YouTube channel for you to watch back in full or you can listen back on our website as well. But on to today's programme. And it's a busy one as always. Our Friday panel with us right now. Let's introduce them to you. We'll say good morning first to Councillor Doreen, Sheridan Kennedy, former Deputy School Principal and Community Campaigner. Good morning to you, Doreen. Great to see you again. Good morning. I'm glad I got the title card earlier. I don't know where that came from. Did I give you the title, Councillor? Did I? No, thank you so much. You did, yeah. That's okay. Okay. Well, if it didn't happen, it should have happened. I don't know what's going on. All right, okay. Also, we're joined on the programme by Councillor, definitely a Councillor, I think. Miho, Colin McGill, Nassberg, Independent. Good morning to you. Thanks for joining us. I've interviewed a hundred and a half of you. I'd like to say good morning to you. Very good to have you with us. Pat McCart, former Managing Editor of The Dairy Group, newspaper and current newspaper columnist, of course, podcaster. We pretty much find you everywhere, Pat. Good morning, Greg. It's good to have you with us, alright, okay. Good morning, Doreen. Miho. Good morning, Pat. Right, okay. The reality is the issues of evictions and housing Of course, why would we today? The Dole Heard claims during the week that government policy will evict thousands of families and working people into homelessness this weekend when the eviction ban is lifted. During heated Dole exchanges, Tarnished Amihal Martin stated that an indefinite eviction ban would make matters far worse and create homelessness in the long term. Sinn Féin's Pierce Doherty said there is despair in the country as people are running out of options to put a roof over their heads. Mr Martin responded saying housing is the government's top priority and progress is in fact being made. I'll start with you first if that's all right, Doreen. Did the government have any other choice? Are they doing the right thing in your view? Yes, I think they're doing the right thing and I don't think they had any other choice. And by the same token, the opposition didn't offer any other choice. And the opposition and all they're arguing in the Dole this week, really were only looking for it to be postponed. They weren't actually offering to me anything that was going to be any better than what the government were offering. And I think an awful lot of time was wasted. At the end of this come the summer term in the Dole, we'll be wondering why legislation hasn't gone through to think that so many hours were spent, that's what really annoys me as a citizen, that so many hours were spent on this debate. And I'm not saying it's not important. I think the government side of the House did claim that we know the problems are there. It's not that people within the Fenefor, Finneguil or the Green Party don't know there's a problem there. They're dealing with it as best they can. And I think it's just scandalous the way things were handled in the Dole the last day. I'm not sure that the people who chaired the actual Dole the last day were able for the debate. And perhaps had there been a stronger person in the chair, things wouldn't have been and got out of hand. It was very abusive and very, very wrong in my eyes for a government, for any government sitting of the Dole to be handled in that way. Well, it's not all the cut and thrust of politics though. Well, it is, but it's not what we need when we're talking about an issue that is so sensitive. And really is maybe the top priority in the country at the moment for everybody. I'm not saying there are issues there, but... OK, we seem to have lost your audio, Doreen. I think you've muted yourself. OK, well, we'll move along and Pat, I'll put the same question to you. I'll come back to Doreen. I don't think she realized she's muted. What do you think of how things have played out over the last couple of weeks? The government survived three votes? Yeah, Greg, I find what Doreen's after saying a wee bit, I'll not say what it was actually thinking. There's 300,000 apparently homeless, hidden homelessness in Erdon. The government has been in power, well, the fun and gale part of it for 12 years. And they're now acting if it's suddenly come on. The Vulture funds have been coming in this country for years, picking up cheap housing and buying on bulk. And it's how I don't know. And don't they go all alone? I think there's 3,000 people on the housing waiting list. But that's another government's acting is all the opposition are bad people, suddenly exposing our lack of planning for all this. And I think that's an unbelievable attitude. And by the way, I'm not saying the opposition are totally blameless or anything like that. But I'll tell you this much. Louise already got very animated in the dwell on. I think it was Tuesday Wednesday when she looked across at the Daryl O'Brien, the housing minister and the junior minister and said, there's a person, what a woman I know that has four kids. She's going to be made homeless this weekend. Have you any place for her? The damages of the senior minister and the junior minister sitting there with their mouths closed. I think there was the sort of the image of the week in a strange sort of way. So I think there's almost two islands now. There's the island where you're rich and happy and all the rest of it. And then there's the island where you're paying 2,200 a week or a month and doubling for rent in a Galway, very similar. There's places where you can't afford. By the way, if you're a young teacher or a young nurse or a young guardian looking for a house in Dublin, Galway, what's your chance of getting a new? And by the way, notice even on Lerner County now the average monthly rent is something like 1,400 a month. You need to be earning quite a hell of a lot of money to pay that as well. Yeah, but of course, the opposition don't have, you know, ownership of sympathy and empathy and what have you. I mean, I presume the government feel I know enough to put those words into your mouth, but I presume the government is saying, look, were the ones actually charged with resolving this issue? We've sought advice, we've sought counsel and deferring the no fault evictions is not going to really help the situation. In fact, if we leave it for another six months, things might be even worse. But then again, the counter argument might be made that they've had 12 years that have brought us to this position. Yeah, exactly. You know, by the way, I'm not in the opposition. I've got the solution now. My main thrust of my argument is that 12 years and then suddenly now to claim it's something come at them at a calamitous rate or something. You know that that's a downright hypocrisy. And you know, when you've had 12 years and Greg, it is not. It's been clear for us. It's like our health. What is now we've got almost a million people on the health waiting list and I heard from me on the other day sent to the claim now that wonder waiting list. As she says, no, it's just continuous year round. You know, I don't know. We need to have a look at our systems because nothing seems to be working properly if you're at the bottom end of the skin. Now, if you're up, if you can afford private houses and you can approve private health care, the system works lovely for you. It's the people at the bottom who are getting screwed right left and centre. And the less the least amount of money you have, the more it seems that things impact you, the higher taxes you have to pay. The highest interest rates and a mortgage that you have to pay and so on and so forth. It's a desperate situation for so many people out there. Me, whole column, what do you think the solution was here? Because really, the opposition didn't propose anything new. They just simply said, you know, to the government, keep doing what you're doing. How much time would need to be bought to make any real change to the situation? Do you think or what do you think of it all? Sorry, not to that point, just generally speaking, your views. Look, the reality here is that this is working for the government. This is working for the landlord class. This situation didn't come by chance or as Pat said there, it just didn't, you know, have a lot straight down on them. They know what they're doing. The government is very, very clear in their position in terms of protecting the landlord class, protecting the capitalist classes. And this is a very strong. What's the landlord class, we will call them with all due respect. I mean, you must know people, you must know people that inherited a second house or went away and worked very, very hard and decided that they, you know, rather than trust the banking system or pensions that they would do up a house and and rented out, are you grouping them in the landlord class as well? Not at all. Right. So there's a hierarchy within the landlord class also. Of course, there is if a house is left to me by an old aunt or an old uncle or whoever certainly doesn't put me or anybody else into that class. It certainly doesn't put anybody who wants to buy a house because they have three or four children and they want to have a bit of a pension or want to leave some for their children. That is not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the upper echelons of our society. I'm talking about the those that fly into or don't even fly into our country anymore or press of a button and buy in sways of hundreds and hundreds of apartments, the voucher funds, the capitalist classes who are raking money on when there when there's ever a crisis in capitalism, bear in mind that there is money being made by a certain section of our society. That is society or the ones those in our society are the one percent who control the economic or sorry, control the government's ideologies position. The government's position here is very, very clear. Let there be no doubt whatsoever about this here. The fund of Gale, Finlay Fowell Greens and all their cheerleaders know exactly what's happening here. Do you believe Sinn Féin would do anything different? Well, I can't speak for Sinn Féin. No, no, no, but you've been critical of the other main parties. And I'm only mentioning them because no, I'm only mentioning them because they were absent from the list of parties. Do you believe then that Sinn Féin offer something new and something different? No, what those are my list are those that are running the 26 counties. Those are the ones that we unfortunately elect to run this country and not looking at the ideology and what actually drives them they are very clear in their position. So until we and I make no bones about it, I come from a very strong left position. I believe that there is only one solution and that solution is is a left government, a left government that is progressive, a left government that is willing to actually go out and build houses and take control out of the price. Some of the proposals from the left, not things like, you know, deciding what people, you know, maybe refuse encroaching on people's rights to house ownership. I think some people before profit proposals are along those lines that to, you know, weaken the control that in other words, that the state could take over housing in that in terms of a to deal with a housing crisis. Is that to you subscribe to that type of a way of thinking the state can do that. Anyway, this morning alone, I spoke to the Council in terms of compulsory orders acts. We were crashing that out. I'm in no favor of taking land off any working class person or property off any work class person, but I'm very, very much in favor of taking land and property off the very, very elite of this country and the interest of the working classes, the working classes. So you take from the rich and distribute you take from the rich on the streets, you take from the rich and distribute to the poorest. Is that what you do? You would take from the rich and distribute it to their to the poor, be it their money, their land, their homes. Of course you just take from the rich. We take their tax off them when the rich are paying very, very little taxes. It is when when you when you set yourself at stores and the lower excellence of society are the ones that are paying the higher tax, paying the higher tax when you have three or four cars. Maybe outside a house with everybody paying car tax. Maybe people if their parents are working or even the need the children are working, they're paying high tax, they're paying tax and everything. But yet the very wealthy and the well to do have loopholes are not paying very little tax. And even if they are paying tax and people will come back with figures, it's not in proportion in terms of what we the working class are paying. So what we need, what we need is we need a rethink. We're unfortunately a very conservative society. And that's to do with the experience of imperialism and a church too many generations of decades. But we need a shift. We need a shift or things are going to get a hell of a lot worse and worse than what they are now. Doreen, do you want to come back on anything, get me a whole column? Definitely want to come back. I'm going to go back to councillor first, please, if I may. I just wonder exactly what the Donegal County councillor doing, because that's where we are as a nation. We need to think about our own county and I wonder what the delays are in more county council houses being built. What's happening? The housing that was planned in Kerrygart, there were houses planned there. Why is there a delay there? Is there politics being played with that particular site or what's going on? There's an awful lot that county councillors with in Donegal have to look at. I do think that as a government that they can't do any more than they're doing in relation to looking after people as regards housing. They're dealing with it daily. And I think it was Simon Coteby that spoke with the power side of the door on the side of the government. And they're well aware that this is a crisis situation and that it's getting worse. Well, just in relation to they can't do any more. What about, say, for instance, looking at modular housing for Donegal? I mean, you say they can't do any more. That's one thing that they could do, but they've ruled that out. But I'm just wondering where it is locally and what the councillor doing. And I would love to ask you to come back to me on that. Do you think that the county council in Donegal are doing enough to house our own people? And what are they doing in relation to that? And is there more emphasis being put on looking after our newcomer? So maybe and I won't even Pat McGartney has his own opinion in relation to the present government. But, you know, they spoke in government the last day. There's there's ample things going on and they're doing their best they can in relation to a crisis that is in this country. As far as I'm concerned, you know, but I mean, we need to look at ourselves and what we're doing as a county in relation to our own and who's making the big money and the big bucks and Donegal in relation to housing. I'd love to know that. Now, maybe some of you will come back on that, gentlemen. Well, I suspect you have your own. I suspect you have your own theories, judging by the way, you phrased that question. Pat, do you want to come back on? And I want to come directly actually to the role of the council in all of this. But I just want to bring Pat in just for a comment on Doreen and your comments. The government have done some very good things. And I'm not saying everything's doom and gloom far from it. But I'm also saying, Greg, years back, like, for instance, Fina Foyle way back in the 1960s, when I sort of to quote me home, I'll never agree with this me home, but they were sort of left wing introduced policies like free education. They built social houses or council houses, whatever you like to call them. Nowadays, Fina Foyle and Fina Gale, I can't tell the difference between them. They say we look after the developer and the rich class and all the rest of many social houses or council houses have been built and done. They go all this last, say, 10 years. You know, what happened? Where did all this sort of looking after the lower I know the social end of looking at the government's role of looking after the community. But that all seems to be out of the 1980s when along came the sort of Celtic Tiger, Bertie Herron and the guys in Fina Gale and Fina Foyle put on their sheepskin coat and started going to bed with the bankers and the developers and all the rest of it. Well, that's not left wing ideology. Check it out. And then, you know, it's there. So basically, what I'm saying is maybe it's time we went back to sort of having policies that look after, you know, let the rich let people make money. I'm all in favor of it. Let the society make money and totally in favor of it. But there has to be some sort of responsibility for those at the bottom end. Well, the system is the system is flawed. See a cancer specialist. Yeah. Or if you're waiting for a uppery placement for five years or whatever, there is something seriously wrong. Well, I mean, the system has to be flawed. Does it not when during the time of this cost of living crisis that that companies, food providers, the shops, you know, all the big shops, they're making record profits. That fuel companies are making record profits that during Covid, for an example, the rich got richer. Pharmaceutical companies, their profits went through the roof during wars, time of war, the amount of money that's being generated through that. I mean, Doreen, before I go back to me whole column, I mean, there's something wrong with the system. That's this is separate to Pat's point, but I think it might live in the same house. You know, it's ridiculous. Yes, I agree with you to the extent of what happened over Covid and how people made the money. But that was an epidemic and therefore to me cannot even be in the same conversation. I'm not sure, you know, the most important thing to me out of the whole Covid thing was whether or not we all survived it and our heads and whether or not we still have to. There's a lot going on in society that still has things to have to deal with things. A lot of people have to deal with issues and I'd be very concerned about that, which is really far more important. People's mental health more so than we'll say who made a quick buck, you know, and our shops did make a lot of money. And you know what, we were glad to have them. It was great. We had the services that we had. That's the. But the reason we have food inflation now, the reason why the poorest in society is struggling to feed themselves is because the excess profits of the retailers in the food market is driving inflation up. That's why inflation is not coming down because they are gouging their loyal customers through this cost of living crisis. And it seems that there is no one to hold them to account or to call them out on it. It's absolutely ridiculous. And people so loyal to these shops and I'm not talking about the small independence, I'm on about the big boys, they're accounting, their profits are accounting for two thirds of inflation, whereas in a normal scenario, it's one third. It's crazy what's going on. May I call them a general comment on that if you don't mind? And then it would be interesting to hear what the council actually is doing in terms of providing housing for people. First thing I'd say I'm very disappointed here. Dorian Penlan, a very racist position there when she says, what are we doing to look after our own? No, in fairness, she says, what are we doing to look after? No, yes, but what she's talking about and she can speak for herself. She's talking about looking after our own, which I presume is long term homeless. And she also said, what is the council doing to look after people that have come in to it? So I sort of read it as a separation between long term homelessness and dealing with another group of people that also require homing. Dorian, if you meant something different. If you meant something different, Dorian, you can say it yourself, but that's how I read your comment. Thanks very much for that, Greg. But I don't need Colm-Glasby to be in the march like that. I am not a racist person. I never have been. Dorian, just one other thing. His name's me, Hall Colm. Just so we address each other respectfully, if that's OK. Well, of course, so go ahead. Yeah, to go back to what I was asked in terms of the council, Dorian, unfortunately, I can't comment on the car, car situation, but I'm more than happy to have a look at that for you or any of the people around there who are in desperate need of homes. But look, we need to look at I was listening to him and Ryan this morning on the wireless on radio air and talking about what do we do when somebody is facing eviction? Now, one of what the government believes is one of their key characters here, that we can actually buy homes now, that we can buy houses now if there's a tenant in it. That's that's not working. That's not working. I spoke about that during the week at the council meeting when I was talking to Patsy Lafferty, asking him what happens if there is a situation that Greg Hughes is renting a house off Pat and he's only in the house and on the housing list for three months. I'm I'm I'm renting off Dorian and I'm on the house and I was with three, four kids for the last seven, eight years. Does that mean then that we can step in by the house off Pat and all of a sudden we're in months, you're you have a house? No, it's not working. The government hasn't taught us through whatsoever. They've thrown this out without putting any resources in behind it, without giving us additional staff, without looking at the policy that needs to change dramatically and to keep peddling this on the radio. And it's actually misleading the public, which what we're getting is we're getting calls constantly saying that we have Barry or Johnny in the house, I'm selling the house. Can you buy the house now? It doesn't work like that. And I think that would be quite good because one of the big problems seems to be that they are their landlords are going to the councils, not just the Donegal or maybe even not Donegal, but they're looking for very high prices. And if the council don't agree to that, they say, well, we'll go to the open market then. So, yeah, and by the time we by the time we get our testing done in terms of make a forgot about the time we get to get to cutting through the millions of strips of red tape, it takes forever to do anything at all. But the reality is the reality is that the government beyond the 12th and the Gale, the conservative right wing, neoliberals were in our civil servants and what in the government know exactly what they're doing. We have not invested into building any houses. We have not looked as a long term project and how we keep our young ones at home. We during the week when at the council meeting, I said this when I says, aren't we lucky that we have vast immigration in this country? Because if we didn't, where would people be living when we're sending people to the four corners of the world to make a better living? I know families who have been in contact who says that they want to come home because they've just had children either in Abu Dhabi or Australia or America, wherever they're at, the thousands of them, but they can't come home because there ain't no home for them to come home to. And the government has made that clear decision to leave us where we are. So let's not be let's not pretend that this is a possession that the government has just dropped over. They've known it and this is exactly where they want to be. Right. So Pat McCart, we are in this situation and I think everyone admits the government opposition, whoever, that we are in a crisis that's actually going to get worse before it gets better. And I think picking up from your earlier comments, we're not going to resolve this tinkering around the edges. This is this takes a completely like rip it all up back to the back to where how we used to do things in the past or some different way going forward. We're not fiddling around with this and introducing little bits of legislation that makes a landlord do this, that and the other. That's not going to do it. Is it? Is that your view? That's my view. Like I think we holds after I explained it pretty well, like all day long and see tomorrow morning, it's not going to be solved no matter what the government do now. It's too late. And as we all pointed out, like if you start to get into the red tape taking over a house, checking it for a make out, like you're talking in possibly a year, 18 months before it's all through. So and that's by the way, Greg, the thought has struck me. Listen, we're living at a time where I think the government are zoning a 5.5 billion surplus. Somebody can correct me on that. If that's true, I think that's the rainy day fund. We five billion in the rainy day fund. And there is another surplus coming down the line. What would it be like if we were loving an abject poverty? We're actually living in a quite a rich country. And you'd think that we would have the know-how and the the expertise and the will to sort of solve this problem. But I'm deliberately coming back to this, you know, and it's someone. Doreen said it's not that it arrived on our door this morning. Finn and Gale have been in power for 12 years, and that's the point I keep coming back to. This did not come down like an avalanche yesterday morning. It's been coming for a long time. And you would expect that people of ability and by the way, there are people who have a real ability in the government. You'd expect them to have acted and put in policies and to ensure the things was all working. And it's a complete disaster. Where are we now sort of falling off a cliff? All right, Doreen, you're not here to speak on behalf of government, but you are obviously a finnigaler through and through. So what was do you are here? I mean, you could argue over the last 12 years, Pat's talked about Ireland being a very wealthy country. Perhaps that's down to finnigale policy, finnigale governance. But there is an issue you must admit must you that we have. We are awash with money because we've got five billion in a rainy day fund and we are going to have, you know, more money coming into us over the course of this year. Yet we're scrapping school projects or deferring them because the money's not there. And other problems that could be resolved by spending this money. We're actually choosing to sit on it while people are getting chucked out of their houses and can't feed themselves. There's something a bit wrong with a country being run like that when the money's there, but we're keeping it locked away rather than actually helping people that could benefit from it. No? Well, let's just look back on the last five years or the last three years in relation to COVID and weren't we very lucky that we had the likes of Pascal Donahue who held our purse strings and who had the money there for us to have extra beds available in private hospitals for us to have access to the help and support that we needed, for people who have money, who didn't have to work, for people who are earning very little as regards social payments, whose payments were doubled. So do not come back to me, either Pat or our councillor and tell me if it's not. So I'm sorry, I'm not taking that because, you know, the main thing that's wrong with this country is I was like, I'm not denying that. But I said, you have to look at how we have money and the reason we have it and that employment is at a very good rate in this country. And I'm delighted to see that. And this idea that there's vast immigration going on in the country. I have lots of my family who are working abroad. This is choices that they made. America, London and elsewhere, that's a choice that they made. And if people are coming back from Abu Dhabi or from as councillor referred to, or from Australia, they're having a good life out there. But Doran, there are parents and grandparents listening today, but when fairness Doran, I think you must concede though. There are parents and grandparents today who are heartbroken that the young ones have had to leave because there's no options for them here. Or in fact, parents that have had to say to the young people, and I know because I've spoken to them, listen, there's nothing for you here. Can I come on there please? Of course you can, it's a democracy here. I take huge offense to what Doran's have said there now. My community is absolutely devastated with immigration. Absolutely devastated. I was up on the hurried dollar day about a week or two ago when five of them left that village. And that village is barely on its knees, as very much on its knees as it is. And until the Ukrainians came, the school was facing closure. We have huge unemployment. We have one of the lowest wage basis in Western Eval. And to say that these are choices and they're doing well for themselves abroad, they are working extremely hard. And not everybody in Australia and other countries are doing that well either. They are forced to leave. And sorry Dorian, and I get on well with you, but the arrogance of the think that it's a lifestyle choice for people to say goodbye at Denigol Airport and knowing that we won't see our children for years. That's arrogant. And it just shows clearly, it shows very, very clearly that you're not in touch with reality of the working class communities where I represent because that is not what we're facing. We're facing homelessness, we're facing unemployment, we're facing immigration, and we're absolutely in tatters and it's in tatters because of arrogance of government and the lack of the interest of the well to do. So I find that very offensive. Dorian, come back there briefly. Oh, I certainly will come back. Well, I wonder, you're talking there like a national politician there, you're a local councillor, and I think I wonder what you have done in relation to employment and I wonder what Pierce Doherty has done to that particular area seeing as he speaks on their behalf. What employment have you bought to the area? What projects have you bought? What have you done? Why is it this continuous? Exactly, what have you done? Yeah, do you know what I'm talking about? Exactly, what have you done? What I've done to me is if you're a national politician about the left wing and what's funnigale and funnigale, aren't you? I was asking you a question of the councillor and you couldn't answer me. Why is that? I didn't answer you, Dorian. What's going on in relation to housing and Donny God? You didn't have those figures. Are you a councillor? Tell him, come on. I answered you very, very clearly. And I'll answer it all round. How many houses then? Her question is how many houses did Donny Goll kind of council deliver last year? And how many do they hope to deliver this year? The council has delivered very, very little houses. We have four houses just recently built in Donfany with a number of houses built in Ardra. Society became a councillor nine years ago. The idea is that the problem is that the state is not adequately funding our council. The idea is to look after the interest of the landlords over build as a council. And we haven't. And what we look towards is the contractors to do Donky. Contractors who wants to build houses but can't get agreement of government on prices. Contractors who are playing the game with the state as well in terms of getting better money for what they want to build and being two tours. So the idea that the council aren't building houses should have practically your whole percent, Dorian. We're not building houses because of the government's policy. Finally, on this before we move forward, Pat McCart, I want, finally on this before we move forward, I actually really wonder how much building of any type is going to happen over the next while. I think we're seeing an awful lot of road projects not progressing and it's being blamed about rising costs and all that there. We're seeing health centres that have been green lit, ready to go. All of a sudden they've stalled 60 odd schools. Some of them, not least here in Donegal, obviously all very needed but some just ready to go. They've stopped now. I just wonder really, Pat, in terms of building houses and maybe that's why there's such a focus on the council buying houses. I just don't think there's going to be very much building. I don't think there's much going on at the moment and I think it's actually going to get worse and I think that's kind of the elephant in the room, Pat. Absolutely. I don't see any solution coming up any time soon. Greg, you're 100%. Greg, I haven't gone for a wee drive around Donegal and I have seen very few, even private house bills, never main public house bills. And by the way, Greg, I'm going to throw this in. If the council, I don't know who's behind the road in the letter, Kenny, that's been a disaster for four years, if that's an example of what's going on, God bless us, we'll never get any houses built. No comment. Did you want a quick word on that, me whole column before I take a break about the slowdown in construction in this country, certainly on... We're in a position now where we're looking at a number of sites between Narmor, between Duhuri, Ghidor and Fulcara and Hohaniya. And we have two sites ready to go. Yesterday, I spent a fair part of the morning talking to council officials and the contractor itself, where we're down at Erdskolwara and Jesus, that community badly needs that building knocked down. But the contractor's telling me very clearly that he's not breaking ground because the state, the government, the department, not the council, it was very, very clear with that and I know why. It's not the council, it's the department who is refusing to sit down and give adequate funding from house perspective to break ground. That is 29 houses that we badly need in Ghidor. There's houses in Dundlo that are slowly progressing and I use the word slowly because that's what it is, slowly progressing and no reflection onto our own staff in the area who are doing cartwheels. We have a respond housing in Dundlo who were paid to build apartments X amount of years ago, 13, 14, 15 years ago. We've been looking for them to build eight two-bedroom houses in the lower floor. They've got funding twice and as I again said at the council meeting, there needs to be an investigation into how they got paid twice for that there and they still haven't built these in our rooms. So the policy isn't working. We're on the same page there. And if this is the best that the government can do, the government needs to be removed. Dorian, do you have concerns about what appears to be slowed down on, I don't know what these are, they're called capital projects. I'm not really good at that kind of terminology and stuff, but anyways, things like health centres, schools, public housing. You know, the contractor was named for the Dunfanate Health Centre and thanks to Joe McHugh and the councillor down there, councillor McHugh, a good independent councillor down there. So, you know, that there are some of them. Cafferty, thank you. There are councillors that are, there are projects that are moving ahead but this was mentioned in the oil, you know, by Joe McHugh recently about the 50 projects in relation to the schools and the foremasters in particular. And I personally am very annoyed to think that our own school illustrant isn't even and that 58 projects that are waiting to go to tender, you know, so it's heartbreaking. And the fact that the thing is a wash... You can ask the council's fault. Norma Foley, well, Norma Foley is in the county today and opening two schools. That's, thank God, our push has gone ahead, both in Balabafé and I think there's some school in Novel, maybe our extension being opened as well, but there's lots more work to be done. But I think the Minister of Education needs to come forward and answer what the delay is and where the capital funding is going and why the delay is there. And, you know, I find it interesting, funny that councillor Pringle this week all of a sudden is very interested in schools in his own area where he made a comment before on your programme that he felt, you know, so hot to get a school a bit earlier. Well, it's very important for a community to have a school and councillor Michael Kalamaz referred to schools are very, very important in areas. And if you have a school and you have a school, it's open within, whether it's an island school, whether it's, you know, a gilded school, whether it's a faith school, whatever, it's kind of based. Schools are needed in our community. And if you have a school, you'll have this link and you'll have everything that's put along with it. All right, we'll be back with more from our guests. I feel like I'm going to get everyone's names wrong as well. I don't think it's only me and Pat that are doing the things right. Who's Dorian and who's Michael and I don't know what's going on, councillor Pringle. Anyway, come here, we're getting there nonetheless. We have councillor Michael Kalamazberg, an independent councillor, Dorian Sheridan Kennedy, former deputy school principal and a community campaigner, of course. And last but certainly not least, Pat McCart, a former managing editor of the Dairy Group newspapers. It's a newspaper, you're a columnist now, podcaster and what have you. OK, we'll be back with more shortly. Island Radio wants to send you on the holiday of a lifetime. Plus five grand spending money. Get your ticket now at islandradio.com. Answer the question and start packing. Start packing. Draw takes place Thursday, 6th of April on the 9th on Nuncho. Start planning your ultimate getaway only on Island Radio. Easter sale now on. Evolved clothing superstore. Two floors of men's essential styles and fashions. In casual wear, street wear, formal wear and suiting. Plus over 200 styles of footwear. Easter sale now on. Evolved clothing, let it get a retail park. It's back. McGinty Tractors Open Day, 36th of April from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Clair Road, Donnie Galtar. Don't miss out on the largest selection of tractors and farm machinery on show. Exclusively at McGinty Tractors Open Day on 36th of April from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit McGintyTractors.com. At Hickey Clark and Langan Insurance Brokers, they compare quotes from all the leading insurers so you get a great price. Home, motor and van, farm, holiday home, travel and liability insurance, they quote them all. So if the worst happens, you're covered. For a competitive insurance quote today called Hickey Clark and Langan on 9-1-2-6-8 or pop into their office at Bally McCool Letter Kenny. Hickey Clark and Langan General Insurance is limited. Trading as Hickey Clark and Langan is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Highland Radio, time checks with Expressway. Travel Route 32 from Letter Kenny to Dublin. Expressway, bringing you the time at? Brilliant news, the Whistling Donkeys are joining the Marty Party this Friday night in the Connery Hotel in Letter Kenny for a night you won't want to miss. Donnie Galt's finest donor, Eurovision winners Paul Harrington and Charlie McGudigan, rail-to-dancers, TikTok sensation Koija, David James, Shauna McStravick, comedian Bernard O'Sham anymore. Get your tickets now at www.canryhotel.com or call 07-4-912-4369. Show starts at eight o'clock. Keep your car or van running smoothly with the service at Hickey's Ford in Letter Kenny. Not only will it minimize the risk of a major repair expense, but it will be logged in your vehicle's service handbook and help its resale value. Hickey's also offer everything from new and pre-owned car sales to parts and body repairs in their approved body shop. Book a service online this month and save 30 euro when you use the code Ford30. You're always in good hands at Hickey's Ford turn a mug of Letter Kenny. See Hickey's.com. Not long till our trip to Ords and North Down. I can't wait to dust off the golf clubs. Or maybe I get some R and R in the spa. We could book in some paddle board. Or maybe kayak in this time. The kids would love that. There's loads of great options for dinner and drinks. The main question is, what do we do first? Create moments to remember. Find great value breaks at visit ordsandorthdown.com slash offers. Hey, got some old household electrical appliances or batteries lying around? Recycle them for free with Wee Ireland in partnership with Dunnegall County Council at our special collection events. On Tuesday the 4th of April in Falcara at Dennis McCallion's yard fan war from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And on Thursday the 6th of April in Carrickart at Carrickart Church Car Park, Umla from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We'll accept anything household with a plug or battery. Recycle for free. See Wee Ireland's W.E. for more details. Inichon Co-op celebrates 60 years in business with a massive home-build show at the Inichon Gateway Hotel Bonkranagh on Saturday, April 15th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the suppliers for expert advice on solar energy, heating, flooring, paint, insulation, plumbing, and all your home-build needs. Make a support and advice available on the day. Inichon Co-op home-build event Saturday, April 15th at the Inichon Gateway Hotel Bonkranagh. Log on to Facebook for more details. Now, I think I accidentally didn't invite your views at the start of the programme, but sure, you know the numbers anyway. 08, 6, 60, 25,000. We'd love to get them. This caller says this country has finished every Sunday at the dinner table. The only chap from my three sons who are finishing university is plans to go to all ends of the world to make a healthy living at a reasonable cost. Now, we're not going to dwell too long on this, but that's, I think, typical Dorian. I mean, if that was me and it was my three boys, my heart would just be ripped out of my chest at the thought that they felt that they had to go away. Their reasons aren't to spread the wings and, you know, there's no harm in travel if you want to. Of course, lots of people avail of it and grow from it, but this is a family and their three sons are planning to get out of Dodge just as soon as they can. I mean, that's heartbreaking, isn't it? It is heartbreaking, but they're going with a good education on their back, a university degree, a good secondary education and a good primary education. Something that maybe a lot of our Irish years ago didn't have to go. So the money that is there and they're educated men and remember what we did when we weren't an educated race, when we went abroad and worked hard and built New York and built London. So, you know, that is where we're at. And if we can provide a good education for our young people and that they're going abroad into work as, whether it's a part of the world. Can I respectfully say, though, I don't think an education makes a person, to be honest with you, you know, to be able to build or to construct or to work with wood or to work with bricks or whatever is equal in my mind to someone that can sit pushing buttons on a keyboard. So I wouldn't sort of say we're any better off now, necessarily in terms of our skillset and our contribution to this world than we might have been in the past. But that's just my view in your entitled to yours. I think that's just a way to tunnel vision of you there, Greg. I think we're sending our Irish away much better educated and let's be proud of it and much better able to be able to come and go. You're not going to America now to stay forever. You're able to come home. You're able to come from Australia. Greg, can I come in there? Greg, I remember on Highland radio one morning, a Sunday morning, and whose man, Danny Sharkney, used to present this show quite a few years ago, about 2007, 2008, just as the recession had. And I remember there was a request come on for some mother saying her two children were heading off the next morning to Australia. And the same afternoon, I remember Michael Noonan, the Minister for Finance, saying immigration was not a problem that his own children had, or some of them had emigrated. And what he didn't say was one of his daughters had emigrated as far as I recall to Brussels, where she'd been set up with a nice job. Now, and I thought the arrogance that one was by choice, the other was by necessity. And there's a big difference between no people heading off because they choose to get a life experience and other because they have no choice because they can't get employment. So I think that Michal and Dorian are talking about two different things. My daughter's landlord has put the rent from 600 a month to 800 because they're feeding into his greed, which is going on. Her friend's rent is going from 800 a month to 1,000, resulting in both of them moving to Australia. Does no one care about our youth anymore? Has anyone looked at the cost of cars in this country? It's insane. That's a supply and demand issue, I think, to a great deal there. If Michal wants respect, perhaps he could refer to our country as the Republic of Ireland as opposed to the 26 counties. I'm not going back 100 odd years on this. We have a few minutes, but anyway, let's see. There's a long one there I'll read after 10. Shouldn't find the biggest objectors to housing developments. Another cannot separate private landlords from vulture funds. Biggest providers are housing are private landlords. Someone referenced you as a director of elections for Finnegell. At some point, part is that true? What changed? I don't know. No, I was director of elections for Joe McCune. I'm still very proud of that, but I was never a member of Fungiel. My own opinions are my own opinions. Yep, morning, Greg. How many of our councillors have second homes and properties rented out? Thank you. Do you think that's a relevant question, Michal? Colin, I mean, we know what the situation is in the doll, and I suppose that it's easier maybe for us to figure out who's speaking and why they might be speaking. Is there such a register for the local authority? It's not one I've ever looked into, to be honest with you. Yeah, I think maybe then you go on news. Dairy people publishes it every year. I know we have to put back what property and what interests we have beyond a wee bit of land that was left over in character to me and land around my house and about a land that I bought many, many years ago. I think this might be about a knaker in it now. Could you not sell that for housing? Sorry? Could you not sell that for housing? Well, yeah, we're actually somebody at the moment is looking into it, to be honest with you. Good to see you doing your bit. Hopefully it'll be somebody local and not more holiday homes because that's not what we need. But I certainly would encourage anybody that has a better land or anybody that is able to build a house to build. But look, there is a register. Well, there's not a register for radio presenters, but I can tell you I have... Well, no, no, I think it's open to the public. Absolutely nothing that I could contribute, except the house that I live in. Good morning. Just a wee reply to Doreen. I've got three children going to Australia now in May and already four nieces and nephews there already. Nothing here for them. So that's a family there, Doreen. And listen, it's just that you raise this. I don't want you to think that I'm targeting you in any way. It's just it's a strong view that you have. So that's seven cousins, effectively, that are in Australia or going to Australia because there's nothing here for them. Like, you take seven cousins out of a family grouping. You know, it changes potentially. If they don't come back, it changes an awful lot. It has a huge ripple effect there, doesn't it? I mean, that's local basketball players, local soccer players, local rugby, G.A. players. Those people are our future here, you know? There's no point in us exporting all the educated people either. Yeah, but it's not today or yesterday all this is happening. And you know, well, I have family abroad as well and I'm happy for them and they're doing as well as they're doing in other countries. And that's the way we have to be as parents. We have to look to the future. And if that's the path they have to take, and it's not as easy as that to say that, to make that sort of comment, do you think we don't miss our children who are abroad as well? But we're happy we've educated them and we've given them the proper footing that we thought was right. And that's all we can do. And we have to pull together. And I have to comment now on the Donegal County Council. The chairman, Mr. Liam Laney. Am I right on that? Yeah, Liam Laney was in New York for the celebrations over, as he was in Philadelphia. And he met different people that I knew and he went out of his way to meet the son of mine who's in business in London. And I just want to compliment the council on the work they did on their journeys abroad and anyone who's represented our county or our country. Because it was just fantastic. Because when you have family who are in business and are working hard, and for them to be able to network and to pull together. And also I'd like to give credit to Troy Gallowher who you yourself worked with last year when you were in London. And how he managed to meet with the workers from abroad from Donegal. So there's enough going on out there that I think we sometimes forget about. And I think we need to give credit for credit too. Pat, there's a few textures in comparing, you know, our country to other European countries. But the one thing I noticed is when we were offering Brussels for the show on Wednesday, talking to people that live and work there. You know, you pay around about 50% tax over the night. If you go to the doctor, it's like four Euro to see the doctor and the dentist is similar and there's quick access to it. And there's loads of benefits. There's electric bikes and scooters scattered around the city. I mean, it's really quite remarkable to see. But workers have to pay an awful lot of tax to that. I mean, do we have to get a little bit real here that if we want us right across the board, but everyone equally, that if we want more, we have to pay more for it. Well, that's... Greg, have you looked at places like Denmark and Norway and Finland? They're basically social democracies. They're socialists sort of policies. Okay, you pay high taxes, but you get a hell of a lot of services. And places like Norway and Denmark, definitely, as far as you recall, you have free education, free health up until you finish your education, you know, like university. You know, imagine if you had said to somebody here, you have two or three kids going to university and you don't have to pay for it. Now, okay, the downside is you pay high taxes, but the services there, so the system you choose is the system you choose. I just wonder, Micheal Collum, would any government get elected saying that we're going to charge, you know, everyone, bother shouting 50% tax, but you'll get such and such for free? Would we as the public join the dots and vote for such a party? I don't think so. I think people would. Yeah. I think people would be quite happy to see the rich paying their fair share of tax, which they don't think the public would want to see, those that are extremely well off and able to avoid tax pay tax so that we have better services. Absolutely, that's what they'd want to see. But the problem is that their wealthy don't pay the fair share of tax and on that, we're left with very little and poor services. So the public and the working class would love to see a situation that the wealthy pay their fair share and that we get proper services for it. Miho Kolem, thank you very much for joining us today. If you enjoyed your contribution, have a lovely weekend. Take care. Thank you very much as always. It's great to hear your views and have you on the show. Great, as always, as I say. Last but not least, Doreen Sheridan Kennedy, great to have you on. I know you're batting sort of a lone batsman today, but I think it's important that we hear. The perspective aligned with the government because I said in the show last week, even as it stands in the opinion polls, the current government sit at 42, 43% of the popular vote. And it's no guarantee that there's going to be a change of power at the next election. So I think that also at times has to be recognised and a lot of people that vote for them and trust them, presumably listen to this show as well. So as I say, we appreciate you putting those views across as well, not that everyone who supports those parties agrees with you. But you know what I mean? Yeah, I appreciate the opportunity to do this, Greg. And I want to congratulate you on your show from Brussels. I just think it shows great initiative by Highland. You know, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the interviews last night, actually, of the European MPs. And I think it's time we did more to link up, you know, Cardiff Council government, our own government and Europe because they're all very much tied in together and massive money out there that we haven't accessed. There's a big lot of work to be done there. I think what was very interesting and I appreciate your comments and we can't get into it now because of time, I definitely got a sense that what the MPs do over there, the government don't give them credit for any government. I'm not saying it's but this is not party politics. Don't get me wrong, but that the MPs are often thrown under the bus and the national politicians take the credit for when things are going well. And then the national politicians can have a habit of blaming Europe when things aren't going so well and other matters as well. So I did get a real sense of frustration amongst the MPs of all different political backgrounds, by the way, in relation to that. And I can see it, I got what they were saying. Well, compared to now, I know that we have Maria Walsh and we have our friend from County of North who took Maria McGillis's seat, who just trojan work with the fishermen, you know. So we have our European MPs at our constituency meetings and here on a regular basis. Yes, OK. And the same with the other political parties, so they're involved at that level. So they do come and... Yes, but they feel they don't necessarily get the credit for it. But anyway, it's an interesting conversation for another day. Thank you very much indeed. The Donegal senior hurlers are in Carrigan, Shannon this Sunday for the League Division 2B final. Meath provide the opposition for Mickey McCann's side as the county also cheers promotion. Join the Highland team for live match commentary this Sunday from the 2pm through 1. In association with the Northwest Premier bathroom and tile store. Bathroom and tile boutique, bridge end. The groom goes free. The groom goes free. Yes, you heard it. The groom's room. Evolved clothing, Larry Kenny retail park. The groom goes free. Call in today. Terms and conditions apply. Sleek, smooth, safe, modern. Oh, you want to hear more? Do you want to drive the most modern car in Donegal? There's a reason why it's our county's favourite car. The brand new diesel Kia Sportage, the multi-award winning SUV, is available at iMotors now. Our team will take care of all of your needs. Visit iMotors.ie or call into us today because how you feel when you drive is important to us. Keep out the cold, cold, cold and ring-flemming for their full range of garage doors, agri-doors, insulated doors, milking-pala doors. Flemming, 91, 48, 234. Highland radio weather updates with Ireland West Airport. Lanzarote is back. Check out our new summer flights to Lanzarote with Ryanair starting March 28th, Ireland West Airport. Don't just take off, take it easy. OK, now mostly cloudy today with spells of rain or drizzle, heavy at times, highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees with moderate northwest breezes developing. There will be mist and low cloud on hills, though I think the weather's going to be pretty nice for Sunday and Monday, OK? So hold your fire for that. We'll be back with much more in the night until noon after we take a break for the news and obituary notices. Do you need a little extra help staying in your home? At Bluebird Care, we offer a wide variety of Q-Mark-approved, personalised home care services across Donegal. And our fully trained and committed staff will always meet your care needs with kindness, compassion and dignity. To get your personal home care assessment plan, visit bluebirdcare.ie or call our care team today on 07491 29562 and bring care home. Sunsoak in Mexico with Tui. Fly direct to Cancun from Dublin and save up to €400 per person. Holiday sorted. Tui, live happy. Offer tees and sees apply. Don't miss the award-winning comedian Dave Young performing Hustleria's live and laughing show at the Abbey Hotel Donegal town on Sunday 9th of April with doors open at 8pm. Get ready for a non-forgettable evening of comedy and entertainment, tickets €15, available online from abbeyhoteldonegal.com or from the hotel reception. Get set for spring at B&Q with three for two on interior paint, including all paint mixing with brands like Dulux, Valspar and Farrow & Ball Shop in store or at DIY.ie that spring nailed, you can do it. Exclusions apply. Value of every third item per single transaction in descending price order deducted. End 17th April, cdiy.ie. Attention all sports fans. O'Neal's sportswear have an amazing clearance sale happening in their Straban warehouse. For four days only from Thursday through till Sunday, you'll find everything you need to look and feel the best on the field. From jerseys to shorts, tees to hoodies, they've got it all. We'll see you there. O'Neal's, live for it. I remember you. Hi, this is my McFatty chair. Come and see me at the Delay, Philadelphia nice and a happy medium at the Ali Theatre, Instraban on the 13th of April. Join me for a laugh. Say, enter the spirit world and reveal all. Hickets from the Theatre box office are online. Live on air, online and on the Highland Radio app. This is Highland Radio News. Good morning, I'm Akilah Clark with the news at 10 o'clock. The tonnage show has told the doll that he believes the National Standards Authority of Ireland is reviewing its definitions of defective block causes to ensure the latest research on the issue is being reflected. Meehole Martin was responding to Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle, who pointed out the findings of new research which show the extent to which deleterious materials, other than mica, are at the heart of the crisis. He says that must be taken into account. A peer-reviewed study has been published by Andreas Lehman. The study clearly shows that pirate and pirateite and other substances are the cause of the defective block issue. The National Standards Authority of Ireland needs to take that on board. Will you contact the National Standards Authority of Ireland to ensure that they amend ISO 465 to reflect this as a matter of urgency? My understanding is they are reviewing it and I'll check that again for the deputy. We are very anxious to keep moving in respect of the mica scheme. The Education Minister is visiting Donegal today. Normally, it was due in Crecelon this morning to officially open a new extension at Skolwara. The Minister has been coming undermining pressure due to the deferral of works at almost 60 schools across the country, with many long-awaited projects in Donegal affected. Homeless charities are urging those at risk of eviction to get in touch as soon as possible. The eviction ban will lapse at midnight tonight after being introduced last October. Motions and counter-motions were voted upon in the doll this week, but the government will proceed with the ending of the moratorium. Wean Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, says there are supports for those affected. Reach out to their local Simon community, reach out to their local authority, reach out to the citizens' information, gather up as much information as you can, as quickly as you can. This is not your fault. There's nothing to feel ashamed of or I know people talk about as parents feeling shamed that they can't provide for their children or as individuals starting to feel hopeless. People who are at risk of homelessness aren't the cause of this crisis. Donegal County Council is to liaise with changemakers Donegal to secure fair trade town status for more areas of the county. At a meeting this week, Councillor Jack Murray successfully moved emotions, seeking support to have three towns in Ineshaun, Bunkranat, Bali, Lyfan and Clemane designated as fair trade towns. He's also secured a commitment from the council that it will continue to follow fair trade principles. Councillor Murray says it's good that Donegal is seen to be taking the lead. We know that an entire town signed updates. All the local businesses have agreed that they're supplying fair trade. It's reassuring to those consumers that we're not exploiting everybody and everybody is getting a fair wage. And I'm delighted that Donegal County Council is one of the biggest employers in the county, are going to lead out in this. They're going to work with changemakers Donegal. We're going to ensure that any functions that we have or any teas or coffees are supplied within the council will be ensured that they're sourced in a fair, environmentally friendly way. 23 children have died while in state care in less than 10 years. A further 176 have lost their lives since 2014 while known to Tussles Child Protection Services. Of the 199, 38 died by suicide, 95 were dying to natural causes and some were categorized as drug overdoses or homicides. They were reported to the National Review Panel and the Intu spokesperson and children Luke Silk has seen the reports. It's evident from the reports that are produced by the National Review Panel that there are failings, that there are children falling through the cracks, but in terms of Desh schools and councillor assistance and disadvantaged areas and things like that, I think we do need a lot more supports. People in the Bridgend area are being invited to view the preferred option for the Bridgend bypass. Following a number of public consultations, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Dunningall County Council are hosting a public display of the emerging preferred option for the N13 Bridgend to the County Boundary Root Improvement Project. The event will take place on Wednesday at Ungrinning Hotel and Birch between 12 and 8 p.m. Whether or not I'm mostly cloudy today with spells of rain or drizzle heavy at times, highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees with moderate northwest breezes developing. That's all from Highland Radio News for now. We'll be back with an update again at 11 o'clock. Until then, good morning. The abyss notices for this Friday morning, the 31st of March. The death has occurred of Mary McMeneman, Ne Lafferty, Glenn Covert, Balibu Fay, remains reposing at her late residence from five o'clock this evening. Funeral from there on Sunday morning at half past 10 for Requiem Mass in St. Mary's Church, Cecia O'Neill at 11 o'clock, followed by interment in the adjoining church yard. The Requiem Mass will be streamed live via the parish YouTube channel. Donations in lieu of flowers if desired to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland or the Donegal Hospice care of any family member. The death has taken place of Ernie Gibson, Broadpath Convoy, reposing at Gibson's funeral home from five o'clock to 10 o'clock tonight and again from five o'clock to 10 o'clock tomorrow night. Funeral details to follow. The death has taken place of Ann Callahan, Nea McMonegal, Cranagh Road, Bunkranagh, remains reposing at her residence. Funeral from there tomorrow morning at 20 to 12, going to St. Mary's Oratory for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Cockhill Cemetery. The death has taken place of Betty O'Hagan, formerly of Drummond Court, Straban, reposing at Quigley's Funeral Home this evening from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Leaving the Funeral Home tomorrow morning at 9 for Requiem Mass in St. Mary's Church, Melmont at half past nine. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The Requiem Mass can be viewed live at melmontparish.com. The death has taken place of Elizabeth May, Maisie McMullen, Nea Harlan, four Rabstown Road, Ernie, Straban, reposing at her late home, which is private to family-only pleas before the funeral. Service of thanksgiving for the life of Maisie will be held in Ernie Presbyterian Church tomorrow at 2 o'clock, followed by committal in Ernie's Cemetery. Family flowers only please donations in Lou if desired to Ernie Presbyterian Church Building Fund, K. Rove Robert Armstrong and son, funeral directors. And the death has occurred of Jim O'Neill, one Bell's Park Manor, Clarey, remains reposing at his home, funeral from there tomorrow morning at 20 past 11 for Requiem Mass at 12 noon in St. Columbus Church, Dunney Loop, interment afterwards in the adjoining church yard. For more details, including any family health guidelines for wicks and funerals, please go to HighlandVideo.com. And you're very welcome back to the programme. Good morning if you're just joining us. You missed an interesting hour, I think, where we primarily handed it over to housing. It just ran on like that. We had other things to talk about, but it was just one of those topics that filled the hour. Some of your comments which have been coming in and keep them coming into us, please. I have a site which was left to me and I applied to the council for an SI house to be built on it. We presently live in a mobile home with three children, yet I appear to be getting nowhere with the council to help us. We would be one off the housing list. Well, I hope, I'm not sure what role your local councillor might have, but I'd certainly reach out to them. I was in letter Kenny this week and bought a parking ticket for the main street when I checked how long I had. I realised the clock on the machine wasn't changed. So if anyone gets a ticket this week, just double check your timings. It's changed, but the ticketing machine didn't change. What about all the teachers leaving because they can't get a full-time contract? Nurses who came home when their country called them home during the pandemic never got contracts either. Another didn't hear at the beginning of your show, but hear comments on landlords and vultures. The vultures were invited into this country and have bought up everything inside. That was government ineptitude or policy. They should step up now and prevent them buying any more. All sales now should go to buy to live in until this crisis is over. Another, Greg, I presume you realise you can't slag politicians now after your midweek junket? Well, I don't really slag politicians, to be honest with you. I think our role here is to question and challenge politicians when it's necessary. I'm not sure it qualifies as a junket either. It wouldn't be on top of my priority to do a game very quick. You're over to a show and then you're back the next day. There's nothing in it for me. Any brand envelopes or bags full of cash just went over to do a programme to try and bring us a little bit closer to Europe if we want to, just to understand what goes on over there. But listen, I respect your point of view and that's why I read it out. Ask me, whole column, how many asylum seekers, the kind that were busting overnight to accommodation that are Kenny are in this part or his part of the country or County, sorry. I'm not on about Ukrainian war refugees here, but mostly groups of young fit men. I don't understand how fit people are. I don't understand what difference that makes in terms of whether they come to Ireland or not. We have a policy whether you like it or not in terms of both Ukrainian refugees and also other types of migrants, people moving from one country to another. We have a policy there. It doesn't matter whether they can fight if they're old enough to be an army, whether they're fit, sick or otherwise. It's really not part of the policy here. I hear an awful lot of people talking about young fit men. We have, as I say, and this is what you could debate whether we should have this policy or not and that was the big debate, I suppose, pre-Brexit through Brexit and post-Brexit in the UK, in Britain. But we have this policy. But this caller says, was there any consultation with the council on this? I don't believe there's much consultation on any of that, really, to be honest with you. A caller says we should look at countries like Finland and Denmark with similar sized populations, both in the EU, as to how they do housing and health so well. This council should send a delegation to look at their system that comes in from Connell. Thanks, Connell. Tell me, hold, Connell, stop waffling. Change his record, says another. The disbanding of local district councils by Finagales Phil Hogan has added greatly to the lack of council-built houses, believes a listener. Another green party not allowing the roads. That's in terms of the road infrastructure and they do have a balance, don't they, in terms of spend on public transport versus road-building. I'm not sure, as the listener says, it's bad to have an impact, isn't it? I'm not sure to what extent, though. I take extreme offence to Doreen's comments on immigration. I have three children living abroad because this country is a mess. She's spouting Finagale, Finafall, crap, they say, defending the indefensible. Another lack of foresight, either intentionally or through stupidity by our government, yet again, yes, they saw this coming. The defective blocks crisis is the next avalanche coming. It really, it's really not being given the government support that it deserves, either financially administratively or in terms of mental health support. This is a tsunami unfolding in front of our eyes. It gets airtime because of the likes of Paddy Diver but our elected representatives need to action supports or change. Let's see, what else is coming through here? A caller not happy with Doreen Kennedy and some of her views there. But some people are agreeing with her. If Miehol wants respect, perhaps he could refer to the countries the Republic has opposed to the 26 counties. Another Trump is the only man who talks about stopping war. Surely we should be listening to him. As President, Donald Trump, if you, you know, just some basic research. Some of his language was war mongering. He threatened nukes against North Korea. He threatened nukes against Russia. He said that if they did anything that he would annihilate them effectively, like they've never seen before. A lot of his language at that time was quite war mongering and he maintains that Ukraine wouldn't have happened if he was President. But it's not because he would have gone over and negotiated and all this type of stuff. That's not really how he approaches things. Just having a quick search on Google or your preferred search engine just to get a flavor of Trump's language as President in relation to China, North Korea, and I mean just even in terms of China. I mean you'd be very familiar with how he says that words and what often followed after he said that some would say quite antagonistic and not very peaceful or war avoiding. As I say, I'm not saying, I'm just saying make sure that we all check all our back, everything that's been said before, I suppose settling on a fixed opinion. Morning Greg, how many of our Councillors have second homes and properties? I ask that question of course. Thank you, Miho Kalam speaking the truth about housing. My two daughters have to leave Guido to go to Australia, not because they want to, because they have to. Miho speaks from his heart always for all the family and hard times living in Donegal. With two children in Australia and one more thinking of going, I don't know how Doreen can say at least they have a good education when Doreen has three children, thousands of miles away she might think differently. Miho Kalam is wrong, we do need holiday homes as 50% of the tourist beds in Donegal are occupied by refugees. The knock on effect on tourism business is drastic. That 50% doesn't tell the whole story either because there are some parts that it's more than 50% and you just feel for the calves and the gift shops and the other businesses in that area that will see a big, big fall-off in footfall. And I remember when a hotel was just being taken over in Letter Kenny right at the very start of this and my concern at that point was what about the other businesses? Because this was never going to be short-term. What about the impact this would have on tourism and I said at the time this is not being well thought out and yet here we are a year and a half later and the chickens are coming home to roost. Tell Doreen a flight left Dublin bound for Australia three weeks ago with 87 young Irish women, males and females, sorry, I beg your pardon. Tell Doreen a flight left Dublin bound for Australia three weeks ago with 87 young, innocent males and females. If there was work here in better pay conditions would this be happening? Yeah, that's a shocking figure. Let's just say I'm all for people wanting to explore the world and grow if you do. In fact it wasn't for me, I tried it, didn't like it. Others do try it, do like it but you just don't want it to be something they feel there's no choice on, do you? Going with a good education is good to go anywhere but these young ones are going away to stay away because they can't afford to live here, tunnel vision. Another, if a landlord has a good tenant who looks after the property right and pays their rent on time they wouldn't be evicted. Unfortunately this type of tenant is scarce and if you're going to damage someone's property and cause constant headaches to the landlord then you deserve to be evicted. I mean on the flip side though is it not possible that some are getting let's just say 800 euro a month and they think you know I could probably get 1200 or 1300 euro a month if I switch tenants. You're not saying that's not happening either. I don't think it's all black and white here there's a lot of grey as well. Why are we crying all the time? Nothing here when there's so many people who want to come here. It's a big change from 70 years ago. No power, water, toilets, bathrooms, etc. Is there still independent counsellors? I thought they were all blue shirt finna galers and finna fullers and greens. My spelling is bad because I can't stomach them. It's okay to worry about your spelling. Hi Greg, ask your panel what's the story with 17 new houses sitting finished carpet blinds etc. Is it possible for it empty since the Ukrainian families moved out? I'm not familiar with that story at all. And although the Irish people put what I am but I'm not familiar with that latest development in relation to it. The Irish people built many countries like Australia, America and England with no education. Imagine what they will do now with an education. Hi Greg, you all did a great show from Brussels. Well done and congratulations on the big birthday also. Best radio station in the country says Mary. Thanks Mary. Thank you for your feedback from you. Just to let you know there will be a community cleanup in Anagri on Sunday at 12 noon. An hour or less of your time is all they need to ensure the village and surroundings are litter free. So it's going to be a good day Sunday I'm told. Dry at least. I thought it was very mild yesterday. 15 odd degrees but it felt warmer. But if you want to get out and get some fresh air and help clean up Anagri 12 noon. I'm not sure where they're meeting but I presume it will be pretty obvious. If you want to let me know where you're all meeting I can pass that information on as well. Right, okay. It is time for us to take the bingo number. Stay where you are. More guests on the way of course. It's time for NCBI Bingo on Highland Radio. It's Tuesday the 31st of March you're playing on the yellow sheet. The reference number is S5. It's game number 13. The numbers are 66 12 82 59 10 45 81 65 40 and finally 86. Phone your claim to 9104833 before 8 tonight. Leave in your name, contact number and the name of the shop where you purchase your book and we'll call you back the next working day. Get all your NCBI Bingo information at HighlandRadio.com Mr. Blue Sky, tell us why. The Euromillions Jackpot is an estimated 30 million euro. Play responsible in-store, in-app or at Lottery.ie The National Lottery. It could be you. At Old State we provide flexible working options that make work work for you. You can choose condensed working or a flexible start or a finish time. Choose to work from home or the office whenever you want. Don't miss out on the moments that matter to you. Make work work for you. Search Allstate NI Careers today. Highland Radio Tinechecks with Expressway Travel Route 32 from Letty Kenny to Dublin. Expressway bringing you the time at OK, the time is 21 minutes past 10 and we'll just let you know the cleanup in Anagri this Sunday at 12 noon. The meeting at the Anagri Community Hall. Pickers, gloves and bags supplied. So fair play to you for ringing back in with that information. That's meet up at the Anagri Community Hall. We're joined on the program now by Dave Coleman. He's from Coleman Legal. You know that Coleman Legal on behalf of the defective blocks Ireland group is leading the legal bid for more than 1600 homeowners seeking compensation between the amount paid out by the government and the shortfall homeowners may find themselves needing to rebuild their homes. So we want to get an update as to where this is at. So Dave, good morning to you. Thanks for joining us again. Good morning, Greg. Thank you. Right. So how are things progressing, Dave? Where are we at in this process? The case is going very well, Greg. I suppose it's a vast piece of litigation. It's one of the biggest ever in the state. And really we have approached the commercial court in Dublin and the High Court and they have agreed to fast track the case. So along with the other defendants who are Cassidy brothers, of course, the concrete quarry, the Donegal County Council and the NSAI we've all agreed on a timeline to deliver documentation, etc. to enable the case to be fast tracked in real terms through the courts. And that is ongoing at the moment. Everybody's on targets to achieve their own milestones within the case. And it's going very well. We're quite pleased with the level of support from people. We're pleased with the level of information forthcoming. And obviously we believe that the case is well founded and we hope to have a hearing in 2024. Which is still quite some time away, but it just goes to show how slowly the wheels can turn in legal terms. That's actually kind of seen as fast tracked, Dave. I mean, you're very familiar with that, but for us sort of lay folk, you know what I mean? Yes, well, we would anticipate that it would take 24 months and for a piece of litigation, the size that it is, that that is quite an achievement. And normally it's 36 to 48 months for these things to go through. And when you see it in months, a month given that there's documentation to be shared with many people is not a long piece of time, if you get me. So look, we are very pleased with the way it's going and that everybody is stepping up, all defendants are. We're not being met with a wall of silence or a wall of opposition, but rather this is a fact based case. And of course the facts are in the houses throughout Dundeegall and beyond. So, you know, there's not a lot to dispute, if you know what I mean. Why is the government not a named party in this action? Well, they are in effect by proxy through their agents of Dundeegall County Council and the NSAI, because these are the bodies responsible for the management of the quality standards throughout the country for all of us and well, for people in Dundeegall in particular. Okay, before we move on just so we all have an understanding then let's just say this is successful. How would the likes of Cassidy Brothers Concrete Dundeegall County Council and the NSAI make up these shortfalls and it wouldn't just be the shortfall. I presume too there are people represented outside of the scheme, people with agricultural buildings, holiday homes, second homes, anyone really that's impacted by this, but that is not actually going to get the full benefit of the scheme as it's being sold to us or actually any benefit from it at all. So, who would eventually end up picking up the potentially billion dollar bill billion billion dollar, you know what I mean sorry, billion euro bill? Absolutely Greg, absolutely. And there's two parts to the question. The first part is that the defendants themselves, now we know that it will take state subvention to meet any successful damages claim against Dundeegall County Council or indeed the NSAI. We won't speak for Cassidy's at the moment, they're obviously fighting a case that will be unfair but should the case be successful, it will be of course the Department of Finance that allocates the funds to allow either a court award or a settlement to go through. That's how that will happen. And your second question there about the people who are not availing, are not entitled to avail of the current grant scheme and people must remember it's not a redraft scheme, it's a grant scheme. Of course we are taking a case on behalf of all affected property owners and which include all of the people entitled to the grant. The idea being that the grant is sort of set off against the total cost of the home repair or the property repair which has no grant. So that's how we see that any settlement being implemented if there's to be a settlement or if there's to be a court order. In terms of the settlement, do you envisage a point or can you see a point whereby things seem to be progressing quite well and the government feels that maybe it is going to lose this and then I mean it would be really unusual, I don't know how unusual it might be but for a legal action like this or like any legal action for that matter to have such an impact on a government scheme or government policy but can you see a point maybe whereby they might say this is not going to go our way, maybe we need to look at this in inverted commas enhanced scheme ourselves? Well yes, what we'll be looking for of course is a redress scheme which is universal in its application which arrives the adage that war or war is not as good as jaw, jaw is actually where we see it and we have good communication with all of the parties to the case and ultimately it's going to be down to the facts and the law and we'll all be looking at the same facts we'll all be looking at the same law and I think it's important that there is respect which there is between the parties and things such as Parity of the Steam where we're applying the best experts globally into advisers and we've done that already and we really have got a tremendous I suppose support from industry leading experts in relation to what has happened and why it's happened so yes, of course people will talk but the point being that we should only talk when there's a willingness on all parties to talk, we're not there yet and I wouldn't like the public to believe for a moment that we're on the cusp of negotiations here where we are and ask we're fighting the case but to have good relations is a very important thing Okay well I think a significant breakthrough obviously was allowing this to proceed quicker than it might otherwise, what other major could you call it wins do you think your side has had Dave in this regard in regard to the whole case well we've had a legal first in the case already and that is that all the participants in the case each have their own risk because we don't have a class action structure in Ireland so what we've agreed with the state and all the defendants is that they do not put in an appearance to each case and we are serving each case electronically what that means is that there's absolutely no risk to any participant in the case now should the case not be successful so it's free for all of the home owners and property owners in Julligal to join this case to advocate for the vindication of their own rights so I mean from our own legal point of view we're very pleased with this we believe that it's unique and well it is unique and we're quite satisfied that we've done a good job to protect members of the case and those that continue to join us do you see this happen a big pardon sorry Dave I was going to ask so say for instance one case was successful whereby it was deemed that a homeowner shouldn't have to find 50 thousand euro for the house to be repaired do you see then the house of cards falling or then do we move to someone with an agricultural shed and that goes through the process separately like do you believe this we fought in stages or will success in an opening case pave the way for success for everyone else like I mean this could to certain elements of this scheme and challenging it theoretically we could be looking at 10 or 15 years if each individual sort of argument had to be proven through a case maybe I'm completely wrong but I'm just just ask for clarity no no no you're not wrong how we're dealing with that point is that we have chosen pathfinder cases which will encapsulate all of the law and all of the facts that's applied to everybody within these pathfinder cases and once they are decided the courts will have pronounced upon those particular set of facts which apply to all so there's it won't be the situation that the state would then start to fight individuals because that would lead to massive legal costs and a public outcry on further public purse damage going to lawyers which is not in anybody's interest okay interesting Dave anything that's I mean you're the expert here anything else that you think we should mention just as we wrap it up no the only thing I'd say to your listeners is that you know we are a private law firm running a private case and we encourage people to join but ultimately we will have to close our numbers and we don't want to leave anybody behind particularly when there's no risk to them so I'd encourage people to you know not to sit back and waste to see what happens it's happening and you know if we have to close our ranks we will advocate of course for our clients first there are people who strongly suspect and they may well be right that their house is affected by defective concrete but they can't afford testing right now and they're probably waiting on this enhanced scheme from government to have access to more affordable testing do you have to have it proven through the process that you have been affected by defective concrete before you can join this case Dave no no absolutely not Greg people they know themselves if it walks like a duck and waddles like a duck they feel themselves that their houses are affected they should sign up they don't need to show a positive test or anything like it we understand the position that they're in they won't be asked to put their hand in their pocket to fund testing that will happen in the fullness of time in order to get on the scheme but we will agree with the state what that testing is and how it works at the moment we're just finalizing the protocols for testing the quarry in their in their montrana and we are also organizing the protocol for testing of the lead homes so this will be done in the next few days and we will commence testing in the next couple of months is foundation testing part of that process Dave oh yeah absolutely it's quite clear that there are anomalies in the current grant system in itself and it's a good opportunity for the revisiting IS465 which is the basis upon which testing is done and indeed things such as foundation testing so we're looking at we're bypassing IS465 and we're doing our own set of testing which we believe is more equal and more fair to homeowner Dave thanks for your time this morning and giving us that update I do appreciate it thank you great take care Dave Coleman from Coleman legal if you want to get involved in that I'm sure you can just search Coleman legal and you'll get some contact details there or we can dig them out here if you want to give give us a ring the county's number one talk show the 9 till noon show on Highland Radio if you have magic moments or great memories sitting on your phone or in the cloud have them printed at McGee's chemist letter Kenny get larger 7 by 5 prints for the same as 6 by 4 35 millimeter and film from disposable cameras also printed and digitalized use the in-store kiosk download the McGee's photo prints app or visit McGee's dot IE photos printed instantly within an hour or in by 10 ready by 5 hold your memories in your hand with McGee's chemist letter Kenny at ESB networks we're connecting Ireland to a clean electric future and as part of the National Smart Metering Program we're now installing smart electricity meters in your area your new smart meter will reduce the need for estimated bills help you to manage your electricity usage more efficiently and enable you to access smart electricity products and services we'll contact you before your meter is installed find out more at ESB networks dot IE slash smart meter not sure where to start with your smart meter sign up to a home electric plus smart meter price plan from electric Ireland to see how much energy your appliances are actually using track your usage monthly daily or even hourly and get tips and advice on how to use less it's a smart start to controlling your energy usage to sign up search electric Ireland home electric plus smart meter and online account required features available after 4 months tees and seas apply see electric Ireland dot IE animal housing slurry storage handling equipment and fencing border counties at risk as TB in northern Ireland hits record levels minister plans for more acres places this year cheap prices up as easter buying begins farmers questions answered on the new suppler scheme plus in Irish country living don't miss our 32 page Easter food magazine inside this week's Irish farmers journal you cannot afford to miss it okay so obviously it's 25 years as the good Friday agreement was established and quite interesting as we were in Brussels during the week there was a special event held to mark 25 years mark the 25 years should I say but also to me peas and others in Europe at pains to point out that and maybe we don't hear it that often that the EU paid quite an important role in establishing that and of course then supporting Ireland subsequently through programs like peace initiatives and what have you we're going to talk now to Paddy Hart chair of the international fund for Ireland good morning to you Paddy thanks for joining us good morning Greg I just thought it was quite interesting because I haven't really heard much of it before we know America's involvement we know the main players on the island and in Britain as well but the EU has and it was recognised at that conference has played quite an important role in I suppose brokering and maintaining peace and trying to improve the lives of many here yes I suppose Greg everyone knows the international fund but I think it's important it's just as you said that that it is a really fabulous diaspora project where I brought the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia together but maybe point one and then once you think about the peace process it started probably at the civil rights movement Greg in the 1970s when it really started with quiet peacemakers working diligently painstakingly to try and resolve the the violence that come into the communities and then in 1985 the Anglo-Avis agreement was written in the international fund out of the Anglo-Avis agreement brokered by both governments what is not so well known and that's why I'm delighted you give me the opportunity to talk about it in 1989 the EU joined Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom and brokering and building peace so the EU's been a champion of peace building in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Borough Counties since 1989 it is the international fund alone between 1989 and 2010 it has contributed 350 million euros and of course in about 1994 the peace programme started to appear and the international fund we worked very closely with the peace programme then of course a good Friday agreement and then the SCUPB and the more significant peace programmes but I think it's really important to give the EU its role obviously in the good Friday agreement 25 years ago but for much longer than that and the EU was very heavily involved and building the blocks and paving the way so that the good Friday agreement could come about I suppose if we are going all down the fair route I think the Britain still contributes to this fund even post Brexit outside of the EU if I'm not mistaken that's right Greg it continues to do so it's taking in fact it's taking a greater interest in the fund since Brexit than it did before because it recognises the challenges that communities are having challenges at the border, challenges of identity so the British Government have become increasingly involved in the fund particularly big interest in the US of course Canada, Australia, New Zealand so everyone is coming on board more and more because everyone is beginning to recognise fallout that has come as a result of the United Kingdom leaving the EU So in terms of the projects it has supported and what it might support in the future like how do people apply or individuals or groups or who is it open to In one way it's open to everyone however the fund is not an open competition where you apply to it after 37 years we have very good contacts in all communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties so we can very quickly find out where there is a need and we will send some of our people in to work with groups to try and get them the capacity to to work with the fund to deliver what it is what is it they want and I suppose why we do it that way is because we try to focus on those groups who are least capable of putting applications and proposals to gather communities that have been marginalised and feel outside of mainstream there are lots of groups who are well capable of making their applications so that's why our approach is more targeted than it is open competition And over the years I've spoken to too many to mention different groups or organisations that have been funded through the various branches of this type of peace funding and the effort has always been to sort of build bridges, more inclusion people playing sports together or whatever it might be and we should never lose sight of the fact how quickly that work can be undone that there are always going to be elements that would like to return to the greater divisions of the past to recruit young people into their way of thinking younger people maybe 20, 30 year olds that came through some of these programmes we should never take for granted because with the best will in the world a lot of this positive peace building stuff let me put it like that can be unraveled really quite quickly now we shouldn't allow that to deter us but I think we should always be mindful of it Paddy Yes Craig I mean firstly the whole region has been transformed beyond belief from the dark days of the 70s 80s and well into the 90s and we have to be mindful that that violent conflict leaves deep scars deep rooted divisions deep trauma within communities that leaves lots of communities fractured and very vulnerable to paramilitarism coming in and as you say recruiting young people who've been generationally affected by the troubles I think what you've got to notice when you work in this for a good while is it doesn't stop with the generation that were directly involved it transcends generationally so we're very very aware that young people are very vulnerable to paramilitarism and you would see in the news at the moment the dissident republicans are doing a lot of recruitment in this demand area dissident paramilitarism is doing a lot of recruitment in the in Belfast wider Belfast area a significant majority of our funding and our time is spent in working with young people to give them more positive pathways so that the option of getting involved in paramilitary activity isn't there. And look there is a political vacuum there now and there are always individuals and groups prepared to go in and fill that work is easier with a functioning and stable political system in Northern Ireland it's not just about making decisions and to and fro and arguing it isn't important to have the structures there in place they've been well established for thousands of years in society Absolutely Greg, I mean you can't have a vibrant, healthy, prosperous growing society unless you have a stable government however I think it's important to say that in the vacuums that occur the community leaders really step up to the plate they work really hard they keep lots of things in line Easter 12 months ago at Lanark Way there was almost a major outbreak and community leaders from then got them out, put them on programs to make sure that they stay they stay well but if it continues where people can't feed their children they can't eat their homes the schools can't recruit teachers that firefighting that's almost going on will become ever more difficult so yes fair play to them but this can't go on in perpetuity without having a very serious consequence I don't think, Paddy Exactly, I was just going to you've just said what I was going to say that there's only so far that you can expect to do this and for the society to work properly then you need a functioning government and that needs to get back into place sooner rather than later because it's only so much that you can expect people at community level to hold the line Right, so what situation are we at in terms of the International Fund for Ireland at the moment so is it open for applications what kind of applications are being sought what kind of works being done is there multi-year funding out ahead of us so just give us a we kind of had to brush over an awful lot of stuff Paddy but just give us a state of play as where we are now and going forward then Okay, of course in Donegal there's been a long history of working with the International Fund and that's well documented going forward on our current strategy we're looking at a lot of work in communities and partnership that's cross-border work to try and make sure that the relationships that have been built and any new ones that we can build are continued in the current post-Brexit phase Alright, so we have projects between any shown and dairy operating at the moment between Sturban and Leford operating at the moment a very interesting project between Milford and Port of Down politics in action where people begin to learn about each other's politics and about our system's work and have challenging conversations about identity so there's a lot of that work going on we have some interesting sports programmes coming between any shown and dairy and a larger one that's coming so there's a fairly strong focus on sport because it's a very neutral way of bringing people together It's a level or isn't it really Yeah, that's fantastic that's a fantastic media in fact it's only called sports partnership and the Waterside Neighborhood Trust are working on an active community project which is absolutely fabulous, it's non-competitive sporting and people can get together and do whatever types of sporting activity they want with young people, adults etc and it's working extremely well going into some of the more loyalist communities in the Waterside of Gary working with communities in East and West Donegal under the Donegal Sports Partnership so that's a very exciting project I know you just mentioned them there not in passing because of course you realise the work that they do but the more I hear of what Donegal Sports Partnership do the more impressed I am they seem to be a really good organisation with really good people working there doing amazing things Yeah, Mike Sweeney is a great team and in an era where you can sit and look at your phone and you can get, not only are you not doing anything you're also at the risk of mental health challenges to you whereas Donegal Sports Partnership are doing active sports they're working on a model from Cork as far as I recall from AIDS and yes they're brilliant they're really great to work with How much sort of reviewing oversight is there to ensure that this money is being well spent that there's a bang for the buck that in other words it's working I mean this money is just not chucked out I presume and that's the end of it No, I mean we're very appreciative that we're getting US tax dollars Canadian, Australian, Zealand tax dollars so we have a responsibility to make sure it's managed properly so you have a programme in Donegal it's Stephen Barrett who will first of all assess the project he will take it to the joint secretariat so the fund in Dublin it will go to a review group and that will be challenged by any authority that is responsible in that particular sector it then goes to a board designated board event where it's assessed again then goes to senior civil servants and a final recommendation goes to the board where the international observers are there so there's quite an extensive monitoring to make sure that you're getting the bang for the buck and that the right thing's being done and as I say look there's so much there I can only really skirt around the edges so to speak if people want more information about the international fund for Ireland it's history, what it's doing, where it's going is there a one stop shop there Paddy? Well first of all the website's very informative but Stephen Barrett who is well known Stephen used to work with Donegal local development and Stephen's now working with the fund and I have to say whether he's listening or not he's doing a fabulous job and making sure that Donegal gets more than it's fair share of IFI funding but Stephen's a good contact get his details on the website Now you're well connected yourself I think you talked about your international connections there can you give us any scoops or exclusives on whether President Biden's going to be visiting our region Paddy? I'm watching closely for any Gives here now otherwise No messing I'm not that I'm not that well connected Great Vines, you know what I mean you would have heard something on a great Vines Would you rule it out? Are we tripped to North Donegal for example because I do know there has been a little bit of let's just say in terms of people that might have to deal with such a business maybe some overtime being cancelled and things like that there I'm not saying it's planned but there's something happening there Would you rule it out? Well you couldn't rule it out Brendan Boyd who's dad comes from Grand Column Kill Congressman is extremely supportive of the fund and if anyone can make it happen Congressman Boyd will do that All right listen it's been lovely speaking to you Thanks for joining us Paddy Have a lovely weekend Bye bye Paddy Hart who is chair of the International Fund for Ireland as a senior citizen no sitting in traffic trying to get to work heading off on midweek breaks out for a bite to eat whenever it suits and now that bite to eat costs even less at Kelly's Diner and Etter Kenny with 15% off after three every weekday when you spend 15 euro meet up for a chat and a bite to eat Monday to Friday with an extra 15% off the menu for all senior citizens at Kelly's Diner Mountaintop, Etter Kenny check out the cold, cold, cold and ring Fleming for their full range of garage doors, agri doors, insulated doors milking parlour doors Fleming, 91, 48 234 Not long till our trip to Ords and North Down I can't wait to dust off the golf clubs Or maybe I get some R and R in the spa We could book in some paddle board Or maybe kayak in this time, the kids would love that There's loads of great options for dinner and drinks The main question is what do we do first? Create moments to remember to find great value breaks at visitardsandnorthdown.com slash offers Raymond Sweeney here from Ben Sweeney Euronics to let you know about a great tumble dryer that will save you time and energy The Blomberg 8KG dryer has a selection of sensor programs that allows you to decide exactly how dry you'd like your laundry and smart technologies to help you reduce your energy costs It also comes with an amazing 7 year parts and labour warranty Call into us and save for yourself at Ben Sweeney Euronics Ford Road Letter Kenny or in the shopping centre down below Rightio, let's look at the weather Mostly cloudy today with spells of rain or drizzle, heavier times, highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees With moderate north west breezes developing there'll be mist and low cloud on hills Right, okay, I privately I don't know what to say about the weather but I think it's a good idea to look at the weather I think it's a good idea to look at the weather I think it's a good idea to look at the weather I think it's a good idea to look at the weather Right, okay, I privately When we've been covering the story of Gale Skull and Nakaha Maestra I just thought that this is one that had to be pulled out from the 58-odd and allowed to proceed because the timeline was there and everything was ready to go and progress could be lost if it didn't But it seems that's not going to come to pass now Let's see what Deirdre Ogara on the Parents Association of the Gale Skull in Denegal town feels Good morning to you Deirdre Thanks for rejoining us, I appreciate it. Hi Greg, thanks for having me on again. Right okay, so I hope listeners would be very familiar as to the strong argument for this to progress. The Education Minister is in the county today, any movement, any meetings, any information for us? Yeah so basically Norma is in the county and today we got word on Wednesday evening that she would meet with two representatives from the school. So this morning two representatives went over, but unfortunately we got nowhere. We were so hopeful for good news to come out of this meeting today, but she gave no dates, no timeline, no commitment whatsoever. Okay now you presented her and Minister McConnelogue who was traveling with her, you presented her with a dossier, some information as to the current state of play, what did she think when she looked through that? Well unfortunately when one of the parents handed it to her she refused to open it. What do you mean refused? And the same for Charlie. They refused? She wouldn't look at the pictures yet. It was handed to her to open it to look at all the pictures of the state of the school and she refused to do so. Wow. And same for Charlie McConnelogue. Neither of the two of them would care to look at the conditions that school children and teachers are in. The Minister for Education? Yes, yes that is correct. I mean that's pretty shocking. It is, you know it's shocking, it's disappointing and it's making us even angrier at this stage now, like what are we going to do, what do we have to do for Norma? I'll tell you what we need to do, we need to understand that when we're respectful and use very word that the politicians serve us, if you know what I mean and I don't mean that in any real far left or far right way but you show a courtesy to those parents and you look at those pictures. I'm sorry, I can't be on the fence on that one, that's just the way it should be. So really any hopes, I mean I can get it to okay we've got a meeting, she's hardly going to meet us without good news, that's how I would have been feeling but nothing positive come from it then, from your perspective, Dirdre? Yes exactly, like we're out today for a break, for Easter break at 12 o'clock and we thought we were going to leave in the school today with such good news but for the results this morning's meeting there's no news whatsoever. Well you know what, we'll not let it go, it's not over, do you know what I mean? This can still progress. Dirdre, thanks for your updates over the course of the last while, I'm sorry it's such a disappointing meeting today, I'm sorry that parents were not even able to have their efforts recognised in terms of the photos being viewed and what have you. I think we can get more of an insight from that now. Dirdre listen, thanks for your time and well done by the way for you and the rest for not sitting down and taking this lightly, I think it's very admirable and I think you'll get there. But thanks for now Dirdre. We will yeah, we are not going to give up, yeah that's great, thank you Greg. I know, I know, Jimmy Brogan is a parents representative on the Board of Management of Girls Gone, the Cajun Maestro, you were at that meeting? Good morning Greg, yeah I was at the meeting, yeah, she listened to our concerns, we put across all our concerns that we had, she said that she agreed, you know she took on the concerns we had and she understood them and all but you know as Dirdre was saying when we presented her with the pictures now there's also letters and comments from kids and stuff on it, we asked her to comment on it to open and then to comment on some of it. So the children had written down their views about having to yeah and so yeah some of it yeah they weren't even looked at right okay no well she said she would take her own looks, she'd take it and she would look at it and go through it properly but when we were there she didn't look at us, you know she glanced at one of the pages that the kids had written down three questions, one of them was would you go to work in this condition and the other one was would you expect children to go to school in a place like this and I can't remember what the third one was because I was involved in writing the questions, I just seen them all roughly this morning but she didn't answer the questions and she didn't really look at the pictures at all. How do you feel coming out of that meeting Jimmy? A bit disappointed really you know we were well listen we weren't expecting we weren't expecting the world, we were sort of expecting some sort of a timeline or some sort of a date of when we would get you know to get a word on it you know but she just gave us no she said she said that the project will definitely go ahead but you know we don't know if that's going to be next week or next year or a couple of years time you know she'd give us no indication of when it will all right okay hopefully well listen Jimmy keep keep the fight going keep us in the loop and uh so say heading into Eastern and it's disappointing but um look it's not over yet all right Jimmy thanks for your time all right no problem right Jimmy Brogan their parents rep on the board of management of Gelsko and the cahan maestro okay disappointment there for those at that meeting right okay keep your calls and comments coming in any that we didn't get to we will carry over to uh Monday by the way because there's a couple of issues that are certainly going to still be there post the weekend we're going to take a break for the news shortly coming up afterwards Michael and Fnula are in studio with us where we're trying to sort of I suppose ease our way to the weekend we're going to talk all things entertainment or anything you want to talk about music theater books podcasts films television anything at all uh we want you to be part of that as well of course so uh let's take a break for the news now okay at 11 o'clock on the button it is time to get a news update and we welcome back on to the show Donald Kavanaugh thank you great good morning the education minister is visiting Donnie Gull today Norma Foley was increasingly to officially open a new extension at Skolwera she's been coming under mounting pressure because of the deferral of works at almost 60 schools across the country a number of them long-awaited projects in Donnie Gull representatives of uh girls come to Garamastri in Donnie Gull town travel to meet minister Foley today but she failed to give any commitment that works would go ahead representatives as you've been hearing on the show claimed minister Foley and minister Charlie Mcconnologue also failed to view photographs of the current conditions at the school latest figures from the INMO have shown this month to be the worst march for overcrowding since records began there has never been a decrease in the number of patients awaiting beds at lettery kenny university hospital when compared to march 2022 534 people have been without beds at various points during march at letter kenny university hospital the solicitor leading the case on defective blocks through the commercial court says he anticipates a first hearing next year and the case could be concluded within 24 months david colman says this is a very quick turnaround for such a hearing he told greg on the 9th you'll know in show that in the absence of a class action structure they've secured a deal which protects all the householders involved in and joining the case the tarnish that has told the doll he believes the national standards authority of ireland is reviewing its the definitions of defective blocks in order to ensure the latest research on the issue is being reflected the issue was raised in the doll by donnie gull deputy thomas pringle meanwhile deputy pierce to hearty says the crisis in mental health services for children and young people across the country continues to deepen latest figures show 4,314 people across the country waiting for calms appointments that's up 88 percent from january 2020 deputy doherty says minister steven donnelly must act immediately to properly resource the service donnie gull county council is to liaise with changemakers donnie gull to secure fair trade town status for three more towns in inishon the council has also committed that it will continue to follow fair trade principles and people in bridgeender being invited to view the preferred option for the bridge end bypass on wednesday of next week it will go on display as we say wednesday next week transport infrastructure ireland and donnie gull county council are hosting that public display of the emerging preferred option and there the headlines more details of all of those stories of course on our website howlandradio.com pack with headlines again at 12 noon all right donnell thank you very much indeed and i would just be informed too that following on from that meeting between parents and representatives from gaelsk on the kaha maestro and not the most positive of outcomes that there is a protest being scheduled or being planned for st mary's national school in straddle or at one o'clock this afternoon the minister will be there um okay so we'll see how that pans out will be back with more on the nightly noon show indeed uh michael and thula after we take this break the donnie gull senior hurlers are in carrigan shannon this sunday for the league division to be final we provide the opposition for mickey mccann site as the county also cheers promotion join the highland team for live match commentary this sunday from the 2 p.m through one in association with the northwest premier bathroom and tile store bathroom and tile boutique bridge end are you still struggling with slow and unreliable broadband imagine is connecting thousands of homes to high-speed broadband in your area right now so why wait with imagine rated excellent by trust pilot you'll soon be working from home with ease streaming your favorite shows and sports uninterrupted join the thousands of connected homes and businesses today at imagine.ie service subject to availability terms and conditions apply you the choices we make determine where we're going where will your choices take you visit kelly's Toyota letter kenny or mount charlis and join the thousands of virus drivers who swap diesel for toyota hybrid electric luring their emissions and fuel costs we've ireland's widest hybrid electric range including the toyota chr and yaris cross don't miss out order today at kelly's toyota letter kenny or mount charlis you'll never take a wrong turn with toyota built for a better world package draw takes place thursday 6th of april on the 9 till noon show start planning your ultimate getaway only on highland radio like cracking easter offers from aldi fresh hot cross buns in store now and from 23rd of march save 20% only 99 cent while stocks last medium easter eggs including capri mini eggs and buttons save 33% only 99 cent and from 23rd of march save up to 57% on this week's super six fresh fruit and veg offers turnips and munch to only 49 cent which saves even more of your easter bunny money nah i don't like it like that i love it aldi every day amazing and that means we welcome into studio michael leddie writer and blogger hiya michael hello greg good to have you good to be here with us and also finula rabbits with us hi finula hi how are you good stuff good how are you tipping away nicely thank you that's good what about you how was your week uh michael my week was good i was saying to finula before we came in i watched almost no tv at all i wasn't a good week isn't it yeah it's a good week but um but i have things to talk about but yeah i didn't really watch much but that always happens we've said this before i know it me in the spring and into the summer the hours i spend what goes right yeah because we have the beautiful bright evenings and hopefully we have some good weather in fact there's potentially some good weather on the way too uh by contrast i've got a two a four sheets from finula i know i have you've never been busy i have no you've never been busy thank you for highlighting that thank you for highlighting this is your attention i've heard it going on we've never been busier i know i know but till my evenings it's commitment it is my evenings are full uh some of this stuff i have watched a while ago but we just hadn't been around yes yes i know i know but um i wouldn't mind if we're clarks and farm because i think that's a really interesting program in that like i know it's it seems to have multi-generational appeal maybe lots of shows do but i don't really young people that love it you know and then everything in between and to to uh to to older people as well do you like it and if so what's its attraction i it's one of those problems that i do really enjoy and i don't know why because if on paper first of all not a big germy clarkson friend he's a bit of a you know twat neanderthal his level of arrogance is just unsurmountable that's what a lot of people like but i don't know in this i've seen him on other things and i don't like it like i strapped watching who wants to be a millionaire when he took it over i was like oh i can't be doing with them like it's better than chris tarant and i'm not a fan of his by the way no he doesn't do it for me at all now but in this there's something about it that's kind of endearing because on top of the level of arrogance that he you know goes around you realize how much of it is just bluster in that because he's constantly making errors and the fact that obviously he's producing this program and is allowing all of these you know silly mistakes that he makes with the farming and different things like that or you know and he was driving a tractor the other day and he had a machine on the back of it in the two front wheels of the tractor where i mean he was practically doing a wheelie in this tractor and he couldn't get it up a hill and and all the two boys standing there watching him go it didn't this guy drive for a living and he like all of that is kind of allowed in it would sort of make makes him more endearing how much of it is scripted reality do you think you know because top gear i think we kind of all accepted that a lot of it was pre-arranged it was scripted you know what i mean i i'm not really going to figure out how much of this is i think i do you know what i this reminds me and i'd say it's sort of done in the way of um which of course now i can't think of anything not necessarily that it's scripted but remember there was an american tv program that was out of comedy thing and basically what they were given is the scenario curvy enthusiasm uh what was that like made in chelsea the Kardashians all of that is done in that way now whereby oh i always think they're actually they set it up i actually think they're physically scripted as in they're given the languages and i don't believe so i think the scenarios are laid out and then that's the only reality is is how you work around i think so too yeah i think it's fairly it's an open secret yeah it's an open secret yeah well that's what this appears to be it's fairly set up and that it's in this you know they see i think it's done ago man was a script writer on one of those um i we interviewed you on this i can't remember well script writer you know what i mean controlling the narrative the narrative where well this is done very much i would say in that way the one thing that's interesting about this and i would love somebody to um phone in or send in their comment if they're actually involved in farming now i have no involvement in farming whatsoever don't even you know previous generations family involvement but nothing uh you know on a current level that he's sort of be able to say but i find it fascinating the farming side of it not because not just like actually for some of the physical work that they have to do is ridiculous but not only that is like the with this now being so up to date that you know he's talking about how the EU yeah um they're going to lose the EU funding and resupplementing it um in it he's trying to open up a like a farm to fork restaurant um in the area it's all about the level of planning and different thing that has to be done i definitely does highlight some of the issues facing farmers like you know some of the commitments pre-commitment pre-brexit commitments the government gave in terms of replacing EU funding for example that hasn't come to pass i did see a trailer where he does reference that as well so yeah in terms of the the financial side of it i think he probably actually gives a really powerful voice to farmers because it's done in a different sort of environment where it might land that's why we would never watch a problem without farming we'll watch this well and this and you kind of watching it going oh lord because it's like one of the things that comes up is and you'd have an awful lot of people who be very environmentally friendly and he says himself you know he was a big petrolhead but when it comes to the the theory that he lives in is an area of outstanding beauty and i've say now i mean i know you don't like the drone shots but oh my god it's stunning listen it is stunning it's not it's not that i don't i'm not going to interrupt you right i watched two documentaries this week one about uh weiko uh which was really quite that it was actually really quite good it was kind of an old school kind of a one that had lots of original footage and stuff and then there was another one um and it's it's just the it's just the obvious things that they do every time the the person asking the questions is not mine don't yeah you know that kind of stuff and i just wish they would change those things i don't mind drones it's just that when you know the opening shots oh there's going to be an awful lot of feeling here there's an overuse of it but it is a beautiful part of the world it's stunning part of the world which i've never been here but it's absolutely beautiful but the thing is then like and they're very much trying to preserve it and it's all about you know being careful and his point is you know well it's the farmers that make it beautiful because it's all these massive farms and then they had a situation there and one of the ones that i watched where they had um badgers um on the land and they have some cattle and they if you have badgers on the land you cannot uh do anything to the their sets i think is there is the underground homes that they have so you can't do anything to the sets you can't do anything to the badgers but yet they can spread tb which is a terrible thing and you can't oh it has much to do with real farming as chitty chitty bang bang has to do with rallying excellent from a farmer just in from all night lambing excellent there you go that's well as i said i know nothing about farming thank you keep them coming in till i know 60 25 absolutely absolutely uh or as much as ted lasso has to do well probably that's that's what i'm saying it's you would wonder i do think he's highlighting it but then you're kind of like oh well is that you know do farmers feel that he's it's not for me to say you know they don't go about that no but it's easy for me to say oh he's highlighting this and he's letting people know about that but maybe it's a negative now he did win uh some sort of a young farmers award uh but i don't know again whether that was just i said he's hardly a young farmer though is he uh well the young fellow that's with him he's really is the guy that's doing wrong the farm he's okay fair enough he's kind of taking instruction and direction really i didn't realize um sorry i do you also realize how important other characters are in it as well isn't that you know what i mean that they've built a a set of nice humble yeah if you watched it at all by the way no he doesn't know but there's really only kind of the four main characters in it you know what i mean which is um himself his partner and the farmer the young farmer guy Caleb and then there's the money guy yeah who comes in and tells him why they're the voice of reason who comes in and tells him why they're not allowed do what he wants to do and he says like as i said with the badger situation there i did watch the first episode though where they were he decided now if she wasn't for him and he's going to cattle and they went to buy the cattle yeah you know all these cattles and cattles all the cows and calves and bulls are all there and he got no idea what he's buying how much he's spending when the calves might be ready to yeah do whatever you do with calves and all that kind of stuff and then he has his financial guy there you know yeah he does all the kind of thing to make sure it's across that's what i'm saying it is i find it entertaining and it's interesting because the characters in it are interesting and there's plus it's very short you know what i mean it's like half they're like half hour four or five minutes of whatever but he is the bottom line is between the jigs and the reels for someone who's had you know quite a remarkable career whether you like him a lot it's it's it's at the sunset of his career now anyway because he's become a little bit toxic um and i don't think yeah i don't think being pulled on this i can't i don't think he can rehabilitate himself i think he's just been cancelled and yeah i think you know but has this particular show been pulled now they're not sure about i don't think he's going back i don't think he's going back in production i know but at the moment it's not they're not doing what i mean for next year i don't think they're waiting and see maybe how the dust settles but to finula's point you says you couldn't watch it because you're not a big fan of his right i don't but you would be the perfect person to watch it because i don't think both me and finula are in the same but he's not really our type of person either yeah no no but you do start seeing different sides to him and i'd just be interested to see a third i would have thought previous to current conversations whatever that this has been very rehabilitating for him because you'd have a lot of people that was still you know at the time when the top gear went it was because of things that he had said monster producer slurs and just don't he just wrote that letter they wrote that article probably rushed it or something or maybe it's exactly what he thinks about harry's wife yeah but it's also designed to stop a bit of controversy yeah he was horrendous horrendous it was horrendous yeah horrendous just if it wasn't for that they would probably have already announced season four and yeah season three yeah i don't know he's very much kind i'd say he might be right he's very much this kind of people person who doesn't necessarily put a lot of thought into things that he's doing then he kind of rushes head first into things and you could well imagine him based on uh you know even just based on the show when you see him sort of sitting around talking which seems as i said scripted in the sense of that the scenario is scripted but it does feel very natural conversation that they're sitting around having a different time you know at different points but he's aware of his persona though i mean i'm sure it's well crafted he knows he knows what people expect of him so he delivers his money in like he has his money in this you know he is like it is his money on the line if things go wrong or if he makes bad decisions now it's probably offset by the billions amazon are probably giving him but it is a real thing he's trying to do yeah i mean in fairness to him i suppose he he has his own personal money so he doesn't necessarily need the farm to make a load of money you know what i mean he can afford to throw money at us he also probably gets you know people are sending a machinery to use in the same way you know the way just to be seen lamborghini tractor exactly i would imagine he didn't pay a lot for the lamborghini tractor but i'd say they send him stuff you know the way along because uh but i think what would you give it out of ten overall then you know it's because it's it's it's definitely worth people sitting down and doing i actually do enjoy it and most people i know that watch it even when they dislike things on it enjoy watching it if you know what i mean it's one of those things that you definitely give it like an eight and a half nine like wow just kind of sit there and it just sort like it is sometimes funny that's entertaining that's what i mean it's it's entertaining they're sometimes funny they had the calving was going on you were like you know it was ridiculous the level of drama they'd hyped up for this thing like you were you would think it was the first cow that ever calved it and it's live you know that kind of a crap like some it's just it is entertaining it's also as in from my point of view not knowing anything about farm what appears to be factual in it and i say what appears to be because i don't know but what they're when they're talking about some of the things that the farmers are going through in the uk in particular and you're just like i mean there was one woman that they spoke to you can't do it like i said you can't do anything about badgers because they're a preserved species or whatever protected but protected species but they've got tb and this woman had they'd lost half their herd and there's absolutely nothing that they can gain that's valuable to prevent and they're like this is something that's going to have to be addressed as in you know you don't want people going out badger baiting but you also need to have a way in which you can call the population why are they protected by the way why are badgers protected they're not because of badger baiting which was a disgusting thing that was going on now fairness it was like nighttime going out just shooting them and that kind of thing so i think they ended up on a protected species list and then now tb is becoming more rampant in in the uk all right wishing all the staff and students of pcc falcara the very best of luck with their four night sellout musical thank you for the music which started last night in our clan in guido it was a fantastic show and we are all very proud of them there's amazing stuff michael isn't there going on in and around the county you know we've talked about we have but it's true what i and i come at this like completely wrong you know i've never been really involved in anything like that there i don't really have any friends that are as such so i go and it's just like you know my eyes wide open yep but the few things like the five or six things that i've been to over the last while like they're just not such a high standard yeah absolutely we're operating at really high level aren't they and it sounds like it sounds like it is it is yeah but you listen you don't there's none of the disasters or the kind of stuff you might have expected going into it it's all done to such a professional high standard well done everyone the first night's out of the way you can enjoy it now it's i presume the opening night's the most difficult is it yes it is because you just never know you kind of you do your dress for every show whether it's a musical or a play and you get a lot of things out of the way but you don't is that dress rehearsal for no i don't know in the music yeah yeah yeah two nights but the test beans in the room it's yes that's what okay but you don't really know until you're doing in front of an audience you just don't know yeah where the laughs are gonna land where people will stand up and clap if it's music yes you just don't yeah yeah watch the 10 part series the night agent on netflix really enjoyed it and if you like uh like white conspiracy story i presume that's like maybe watergate i don't know secret service and fbi stuff you'll like this reminds me of the michael douglas movie the sentinel from 206 right i see that it's gotten a very early renewal from netflix which hasn't happened in a while and they're very excited about it so that is something that's gone a bit higher on my watch list my potential watch yeah landed last week yes and it's already been renewed and that hasn't happened with a netflix thing for a while because the streaming services are all kind of in free fall at the moment and lots of things in america are being cancelled and there's kind of big question marks over the future of streaming not per se netflix but the other when they started going like 499 with ads and stuff uh you would make you wonder what how sustainable that market is as as oversubscribed as it is in terms of services because you have to have content don't you you do yeah i mean you know we i switched off very like if you said to me right you can't have netflix anymore i'd be gutted but it would only be because of coca melon uh oh my god absolutely love clarkson's farm everyone in this house loves it i think it is that type of one yes tell finula jeremy's farming is great crack to watch so people are agreeing with you except for the poor person who is a farmer it's an actual farmer it's very busy time of the year with the lambs at the moment morning till night and the whole family have to get involved right i want to let you know of a really uh important coffee morning that's coming up it's ron for ella uh and it's supporting children's health foundation crumblin it takes place this morning uh and it's fact it's uh we're in the middle of it now it's been going for an hour if friday the first of march it's in oh flaherty's bar uh up until three p.m and as i say it's an aid of crumblin hospital so if you want a cup of coffee a cup of tea a bon or what have you and you want to support uh crumblin hospital and you want to run for ella which is supporting this coffee morning get along to all flaherty's bar up until three p.m the county's number one talk show the nine till noon show on highland radio we at highland radio love irish music and we want to show our support throughout irish music month this march in partnership with hot press magazine we're asking you to support the irish musicians artists and bands who make every party every drive home and every day magic that's right to celebrate irish music month on highland radio we're asking you to support iris artists and musicians by buying irish albums irish tickets irish t-shirts and irish music merch irish musicians have shown that they are right up there with the best in the world so let's support them by buying irish proudly supported by highland radio hot press ibi and the bai sound and vision fund the rafow pipe band tractor run will take place this saturday first of april from rafow mart at 12 noon registration is from 10 a.m 20 euro per vehicle open to all types of tractors cars and lorries for enquiries telephone 086 double six 841 there's a big freeze on the way and it's good news for anyone thinking about changing their home energy because cala are putting their prices on ice with a two-year price freeze when you switch to cala lpg a cleaner alternative to oil cala gas is ideal for cooking hot water and heating your home so switch today at calar gas dot i and very soon the only thing feeling the chill will be your bill terms and conditions apply don't miss jimmy buckley at the highlands hotel glentys on good friday 7th of april doors open at 8 p.m with early dancing to connor old donnell that's dancing to jimmy buckley at the highlands hotel glentys on good friday the 7th of april highland radio time checks with expressway travel route 32 from letter kenny to doblin expressway bringing you the time at times 11 25 sad news during the week michael uh one of the leading lights in british entertainment passed away suddenly but peacefully yeah yes paul grady we were just chatting about that off area and it was very much surprising because again uh not somebody that would be hugely on my radar but i wasn't aware that he was ill i was like he was working so much over his career especially more laterally i think he's worked with with animals these are lots of dogs and what have you but uh again i think the very few people who don't know who he is whether he's actually even seen a tv a full tv pro he's been around for so long and he's savage which is alter ego yeah big time and again like lance redick or whatever last week not a person who was of any great age no just 67 yeah exactly you know you don't expect to hear that so again that's what they're all saying and all the new stories where there was unexpected and peaceful but yeah very surprising news yeah i know there's a lot of people listening will have been fans half his casual fans you know what i mean that uh it's just another face that he just disappears from the tv yeah well he starts off on the in the more looking the well besides the lily lily savage persona but he used to always be on the morning show in this morning and that kind of thing took over blind like lorraine did yeah took over that few of those shows from set of black when she had stepped down and i think they were great friends back in the day kind of from the same type of area and same time i seem to recall that either she thought he would be the only one she'd be happy replacing him or i can't remember yeah they're very good friends i remember back at the time he had she handed it to him almost even though i think she died in 2015 and i think he took is it 205 or 2015 definitely ended in five he took it over then two years later okay 17 probably 17 no i don't know anyway it was 205 and 207 or 15 and 17 but uh yeah i think you know they didn't want she wouldn't have wanted necessarily anyone else taking it by him because it was such good friends yeah anyway again uh sad news sad news be affected by that stuff um not quite like a personal loss but you still upsets people right because yeah you're absolutely right people like that you take these people into your life because somebody who's been around for decades and it's suddenly as you said a minute ago they're disappear then they're gone it is a loss you know really careful with as well especially if you got young people because there's a few high profile musicians that we wouldn't really be very aware with our youtubers and for a lot of young people that watch them endlessly or listen to them endlessly i remember when tupac uh was shot or biggie was shot now i was a bit older so i was able to process it but you know young people to get affected by their their heroes yeah they get an emotional attachment you do you definitely do particularly for someone who's in light entertainment again because with the work that he did over the years it's kind of his personality he's not an actor he was putting on a persona but still it's sort of a chance where you can make a connection and you only get that successful if you present a lot of who you are and what you are yeah because people see through fake they talk to do yeah oh yeah they can pass it very naturally warm and that kind of thing which i think is what as you say people get a great affection from them because they feel they know him personally yes so i would recommend i'm not doing a review of it but i would recommend the documentary on netflix surrounding the wayco yes okay yeah bring myself to watch it it's excuse me i mean obviously i remember watching that unfold i never realized it went on for over 50 days but it gives a real insight into some decisions that were made what went on inside this audio and visuals that haven't been broadcast before and it just timelines it and breaks it down with great access to people involved in it not journalists necessarily or talking heads who watched it on the news and then i thought they were on site but it's only three episodes but it's really good it's a good old it does sound it's a good old school documentary you know because they try and reinvent kind of how you do those types of things and might give that a spin actually because it is an interesting it really is entertaining yeah it's remember we've talked in the past finula about stuff that we knew happened or we lived through and then you see a documentary on it and you see it and you know you see it in great detail and that's i was just gonna say we were talking about it yesterday in the canteen because a few people here have seen it and enjoyed it and gone through it but i was amazed which i always am because they always assume everybody's as old as me i was amazed at all the people around here that didn't know about it you know the way that it hadn't really registered with them whatever was going on in their own lives at the time or you know you know people are doing different things it's almost 30 years ago now i think since it happened so you know people some of these people weren't even alive their parents probably weren't even married just one or two of them so young here but it was amazing how many of them didn't know you know it's one of those things that when you say when it's something that you remember watching on the telly nearly live as it happened it was one of the first things that i can recall and it like the 90s was one of those times where suddenly everything was live it was like we were watching the war in iraq live we were so you know we were watching this live we're watching the trial like all these things that kind of happened in the 90s that suddenly were immediate that's a very good point actually yeah in the middle of it there were immediate whereas previously before that you know you watched two seconds on the news or the minute and a half or whatever the story was on the news whereas this if you went to any of the rolling news channels the rolling news channels they were you know helicopters outside had gone over it they were there talking to people on the ground for the whole time talking to the neighbors talking to whatever you know you remember all those kind of things and what i found really interesting about it is there's a there's a couple of the Davidians that are still you know they're they uh they were interviewed still loyal to what they were doing and uh David uh himself do you know what i mean yes but some of the decisions that were made like um to do with children and stuff do you know what i mean like yeah some horrible allegations of what went on in there but some parents were so faithful or so convinced of this person that they said goodbye to their children sent them out um knowing they'd never see them again geez even spoke to them on the phone well because the children were outside and then the negotiators tried to use the children and to quirk some of them out and it was successful uh to some extent but people could have left there at any point and doesn't stay there yeah it was you know you know such was their devotion i think that's why i always enjoy being the wrong word why it's always fascinating to watch some of these documentaries on cults that you watch you know like there's god's country there's a few other than that netflix have um situation in america and all over the world and you're kind of watching them in the whole of your health and you're not you know hasn't been not involved in them and it is amazing just to see how one how quickly things move and can go can start off with a lovely idea and it kind of you know you not you might enjoy it but you can kind of get the sentiment behind it yeah of the reason why it started and yet how quickly then these things can become kind of more dangerous or more corrupt or at least we get a great insight too into the negotiators and then the sort of the fbi in the ground and they had two completely different strategies really the negotiators wanted to get everyone out you know there's no spoilers there at all but i won't say much more that might discourage people watching it as it unfolds because it's another one of those stories you think you know it's but then you know i thought it lasted a week or something i didn't realize it lasted so long oh yeah no i know i know we're not provided yeah one of the things i remember is that america one of the american networks did a tv movie with tim daly playing the part and they were in production before the siege was over yeah i can see how that could happen yeah they were in production all the info was there and you want to be the first yeah we write the ending when it happens they said wherever it's gonna they didn't know what was gonna happen so they just started filming all right we're going to come back with the cinema after we take a break stay right where you are we're in the company of uh michael and finula this is that's entertainment and much more on the way between now and 12 we'll get a doctor in for michael as well watch the show live now on youtube facebook and at highland radio dot com attention all women and business leadership roles are you looking for an upskilling program that will give you the tools and strategies you need to succeed rural enterprise skill net presents leading from within an online professional development program combining one-to-one coaching sessions and online workshops starting 18th of april register today at rural enterprise skill net dot ie and empower yourself to create change rural enterprise skill net is co-funded by skill net island and network companies skill net island is funded from the national training fund through the department of further and higher education research innovation and science charge into summer with two e choose from a beach cruise our city break our mexico flying direct from dublin holiday sorted two we live happy waterworld bondoren is back for the 2023 season waterworld reopens this monday april third and is open every day over the easter holidays experience the three-lane multislide the wizard the wave bullet rapids the twister tornado and gravity speed slides the pirates galleon ship and more booking essential get your tickets now at waterworld bondoren dot com slash booking and find us on facebook at centra this week we have great offers like centra fresh our strip points take 360 gram only 750 selected fruit and veg mix and match any three for 250 and in our italian wine sale emotivo range only eight euro each smart choices to centra centra live every day enjoyable sensibly charlie mcclafferty funeral directors serving letter kenny and the surrounding areas for over 100 years charlie mcclafferty funeral directors and our family take care of your family and guide you through a difficult time radio wants to send you on the holiday of a lifetime get your tickets now at hideandradio.com answer the question and start packing draw takes place thursday sixth of april on the nine till noon show start planning your ultimate getaway only on highland radio okay you're very welcome back to that's entertainment on the nine till noon show right we're going to do two movies i think now uh we'll start with shazam two and then we're going to talk about tetris the movie which is on apple tv so we'll start with shazam two michael fenula have you seen this one yep excellent okay we'll start with you michael go ahead yes only long to see this last week uh dc superhero movie fenula myself and a few friends um i had not seen shazam one so i ended up watching one and two back to back um somebody you were facing the tv boom boom there you go old ones are the best everybody said to me when shazam one came out years ago michael you love this because i'm a big marvel fan as most with dc because it's really marvel uh esk in the way it tells its humorous story of a dc superhero um and yet i didn't go wrong to see it and i put off watching it and i watched the two of them i don't want to say it say it back to back i don't want to say it but i ended up not enjoying shazam one and i ended up really really hating shazam two wow okay yeah they're just no fun um zachary levi i know this i'm not gonna i'm i can stop talking so here he's no he's not take your breath go on talk to us a while and then we'll get the rebuttal afterwards um i just it's trying to be a light humorous superhero movie very much in the vein of what marvel has been doing successfully for a decade and a half at this stage but um for me it just completely misses the mark and it's interesting to look at the box office to see that people did not come out to see shazam two around the world it it's a huge flop now is it a flop a huge flop yeah so much so that there's been some unpleasant interviews in the last week where they're blaming the rock saying juane johnson had a lot to do with it because his movie and the way he behaved um his recent flop black adam which wasn't as big a flop as this but was still under a performing movie he tried very much to uh shape the dc universe in his own image and he wanted to kind of make it very much about him and apparently he's not that easy to work with is what's coming out and yeah zach levi has said how they tried to have like cameos in each other's pictures because the characters are connected in the comic books but the rock was having none of that and yeah there's some ugly things have been said in the last week and then zach levi had to retract what he said and he said he issued another statement saying he wasn't really blaming the rock because obviously his lawyers supposed to have been in touch with him about what he had said but yeah so in terms of what it is in terms of it before you get to that just to its review because you know i'm a rotten tomatoes fan and it has an audience score versus now i don't know how corrupt that how corruptable that is i always presume it's spot on but i always find it actually yeah i always find it actually works quite well for me the critics 224 critics give it 50 50 1% 2 and a half thousand plus verified ratings 87 percent of fans so i think we might be in the finula camp there but continue with your point again it's easy enough like the problem is it's very easy to ratings to skew the ratings on things they run tomatoes because you just set up fake accounts and you can make things you know they can rating so if you don't agree it's all fake no i'm saying it's documented i mean you can you can you can you can but anyhow um no i just didn't find it particularly funny um particularly the second one it wasn't amused by its antics and i think in terms of story structure i have a real problem with the fact that both of the films use the same basic story their villain is only after the hero's powers there's nothing at stake other than it's a case of a hero being attacked just because they happen to be there it's not like the most recent marvel movie which was ant man three which had a villain with a plan had to do a had to do b okay do you want do you want the hero to foil the story yeah like it's like it's like when in the 1980s do they not want to take that power to unleash evil around the world but they don't tell us what it is so you're just you're just fitting in and it goes back to i've always disliked this one let's go back to the 1980s for a minute here when i was watching shows like magnum pi and stuff like that i always preferred episodes of magnum or you know any private eye show would say where somebody showed up at the start and they had a case and they said like you know my daughter's missing my father's missing somebody's murdered somebody something's going to be stolen they also did these stories where which is one of the reasons they never liked murder she wrote where magnum just happened to be somewhere and something happened and he got caught up in it and you're like i'm afraid for who's gonna bite her tongue off if she has to bite it any longer it's not about this to be honest now you've moved into a whole new area there yeah you dish and landsbury get the get out i mean i'm doing what you know yeah but i don't even know i didn't know i'm done i'm out i'm out anybody that speaks ill of it angela landsbury i'm still not over you're passing yes too soon 95 was too young too young for her to be what could she have done in the year 95 was too young for her to be taken from us do not diss her in fairness everyone awesome you all enjoyed it that they're like you all amused amused by it but i just couldn't wait for it to be over i could not wait for it to be over if you know what to do in the movie which is unlike him i have to say now first of all again i agree michael dc comics books their movies that they do are not a passion passion marvel they're not these this one and black adam are in the direction of marvel as in they're kind of leaning into the humor and a little bit making fun of themselves which is kind of one of the key things that marvel always has gone for a while has a storyline but i really i i enjoy shazam it's by no means one of the top i think it's much better movie than black adam there's a lot about black adam that i didn't enjoy but i do like i love zachery levy anyways i find him very funny so i i love him in this but i thought it was very enjoyable it's more and i've heard other critics talking about it and saying different things and it's like it it's a type of move a dc comic book movie that you could actually bring kids to a lot of the dc comic book movies you couldn't bring kids because they're so dark this doesn't have that kind of what about the lack of storyline michael claims i know but the storyline see that's the and that which is why he should like this because he normally likes when there's like a lot of subtext there's a lot of subtext in these movies because the other reason even even though they are comic book movies the whole thing that this has always been about and the shazam the two of them have been about have really been about family but it's not subtext it's really there it's like that's the story they're not being subtle about it i know but then i don't understand why you think there's no story that's the story that's all about him the first movie is all about this young boy that try you know what i mean who has been abandoned and he's trying to find his place in the world and then he receives these powers and it's about how it then helps him in order to get close to this new made family that he's made this is about him continuing but he said the market that didn't market this is a family movie and he blamed the box office on that yeah but if it's good if it's good the word will spread oh yeah no family it's one of those one you know the way it's one of those ones that i think it'll end up doing that as said people enjoyed it they went to see it and i think what it'll do as in if we lived in a world where it went straight to video it would do amazing you know the way it's one of those things that you'll find that as a son the streamings when it hits the streaming when it hits the you know tvs and that kind of thing soon i think they say it's going to be but i think too i've heard the criticism of the more recent james bond films that people didn't enjoy them you know some people didn't enjoy them because there was not quite a defined enough villain do you know that people like the fact that there would be a bad guy versus a good guy you know they blur the lines between good and evil right and wrong interesting you know yeah so maybe that last one i thought it was terrible i i've gone to watch it i started watching a couple of times in front of me no but i'm gonna watch i like the villain in that i like the i like all five villains in fairness i do i do like the people felt that he would just they just weren't there i didn't agree strong enough i didn't agree but i have heard it right okay uh so out of ten she's am too only asking for four okay uh finula no i look at seven and a half percent of things if i'm taking it as a movie all on its own you sit and and as part of the franchise it's it's in line it wasn't as good as the first one it's in line with it helen marron is in it she's amazing in it lucy lou oh lucy is it possible the flogging the dead horse with this comic book stuff now i don't know about flogging the horse but i think that i think that the the mass market appeal is probably winning i think they're still going to be there's going to be multi multi like i've manned it right there comes a point where they say we're not potting however many hundreds of millions into a film that you know there there has to be there is a this is about money here you know i know but it was marvels movies make marvels make huge money on the comics they make huge like the merch how many kids do you know of a certain age like of seven or eight year old boys that do not have at least one comic book pair of pajamas you know to me i mean i know all of my nephews own it through their phases and one minute they're batman next minute they're spider man and it's worth saying about shazam that it comes out at a time when as we all know the dc movies are in trouble i mean they've removed the people that were in charge when this movie was made new people have come in james gun has come in you know there's a new regime coming but before their new films can be released obviously there are like two or three movies to come including the flash the flash is going to be a very controversial one because of the legal problems that the star of that movie had just give me batman superman iron man yep and you can have the rest captain america maybe i don't know wonder woman i just think there's too much yeah wonder woman was good all right anyway uh so that's mixed reviews so be very interested in if any of you out there have watched it so far shazam too let us know 08 660 25 000 watts apps and texts right dav young the comedians taking to the stage in donnie gall very shortly we're going to have a chat with him after these messages i remember you hi this is me mcfackage here come and see me the delightful alivia nice and a happy medium at the alley theater instra band on the 13th of april join me for a laugh say enter the spirit world and reveal all tickets from the theater box office or online attention all sports fans o'neill sportswear have an amazing clearance sale happening in the straw man warehouse for four days only from thursday through till sunday you'll find everything you need to look and feel the best on the field from jerseys to shorts tees to hoodies they've got it all we'll see you there o'neill's live for it are you a small business owner or a startup having issues getting finance micro finance ireland can help we are a government funded lender who provide business loans from 2 000 euro to 25 000 euro from bike shops to boxing clubs cafes to creches we've provided people all over ireland with the funds they need to set up or grow their business find out how we can help you today visit microfinance ireland.ie to apply or talk to your local enterprise office microfinance ireland helping small businesses with big ideas times opens with sweeping changes for farmers for more in your farmers journal his paul mooney find out details and grants for animal housing slurry storage handling equipment and fencing border counties at risk as tb in northern ireland hits record levels minister plans for more acres places this year cheap prices up as easter buying begins farmers questions answered on the new suppler scheme plus in arish country living don't miss our 32 page easter food magazine inside this week's irish farmers journal you cannot afford to miss it brilliant news the whistling donkeys are joining the marty party this friday night in the canry hotel in letter kenny for a night you won't want to miss donagall's finance to know our eurovision winners paul harrington and charlie megate again rail to dancers tiktok sensation koija david jane shawnam extravac comedian bernard of sham anymore get your tickets now at www.canryhotel.com or call 074 9124 369 show starts at eight o'clock highland radio weather updates with ireland west airport salla nines the beetles you can now fly to liverpool eight times a week with ryan air this summer ireland west airport don't just take off take it easy mostly cloudy today with spells of reynolds drizzle heavy at times temperatures 10 to 12 degrees with moderate north west breezes developing they'll be missed and low cloud on hills now again we're i think it's great here in the northwest that we have some of the best acts and the best shows coming to our region i think historically at least it felt that we had to travel great distances to see the best but not anymore among those visiting our region is dav young his show live and laughing is coming to the abbey hotel on april ninth and he joins us on the program now good morning to you dave you're very welcome on to highland radio good morning greg it's lovely to meet you i see we've the same barber yes indeed i don't need to go and see mine because i have a little bit of growth but i have to say you look resplendent with your hair cut if i can call that thank you very much you know i spent all night doing my hair and i came out without it can you believe and they say they reckon i don't know whether you notice great but they reckon that if you go bald in the front it means you think a lot yes you go bald in the back it means you're sexy right you go bald all over it means you think you're sexy i guess you say yeah where did you go bald first i wonder i think it was in dublin i was gonna say that city will do that to you uh career dave you know you're gonna have uh you're gonna have a lot of fans that follow your work and have big fans yours i'm gonna uh delighted to get to see you uh locally in the region and also uh you're acquiring new fans as you go along because i think your work's relatable isn't it and i think one of the greatest talents and there's a few comedians have it is to talk about things that are very relatable and make you laugh do you know what i mean some people do it in different ways without p2k would be one i don't know if you would sort of align yourself in that kind of an area but he talks about stuff that was in your that goes on in your life right now it's yeah but you never realize how funny this really relates to but you're in a different space but you'd like to observe don't you i do yeah and i also like to sing and i like to do impressions and my favorite bit of the show is taking people out of the audience and bringing them up with me you know because that what keeps the show fresh every time i play a new show it's different people it's different audiences and i don't even know what they're gonna do you know i've some routines i do with them but i like you know making it um how would you say i like to keep it fresh you know uh so no two dave young shows are the same but that's brave isn't it dave isn't it because you know you're in you're you're you're always have a sense of control but you are risking it a bit isn't it i mean like it's not everyone would have the confidence to do that you gotta i couldn't be a comedian that goes a b c d you know i start here and then i say this and then i do that i can't i know how i'm gonna start i know roughly the ending i have a few different endings but what happens between point a and point b is a bit of a free for all and that's where the energy comes and that's where the crack comes because even i don't know what's gonna happen at a dave young show which i imagine keeps it fresh for you this is not a criticism of everyone else but i think i would i would prefer that than sort of having a set that you kind of stick to and taking it all different places you know what i mean you've got because you we're all different aren't we i mean we're all different around this country no we're all completely different and in an audience so there could be a hundred people there could be a thousand people you don't know where they are in their head so you know somebody might be going through a breakup somebody might be on a diet uh you know there's different things going on so what i do is is i'll start talking about a subject and then you censor the witch it and then if they're witch i'll stay on it but if i sense for a second they're not with me i'm gone and i'm onto something else and i need that freedom my poor rody does be all over the place he's like a fortune teller because he's sitting there with the laptop and he's got all these different music cues and he's like they're going what's he talking about now and it's that frenetic yeah but it that's what makes it fun and that's what makes it fresh you know organized chaos yeah this organized chaos pretty much pure crack that's the whole intention of the show is pure fun to take you away for an hour and a half an hour and three quarters some nights two hours from wherever your problems are during your day come see dave young laugh your head off and then it's an escapism thing and for me i don't consider it a job i get the show off for a living yeah right other than you know as you say there's a lot of spontaneity and we don't know where that's going to go and that's what makes it attractive every show is different so if you saw dave young yesterday you're going to get much of a different show today right but what are the what what do you what outside of that what what are the mainstays do you think that that that the audience you you draw the audience to you i've heard words like you know that you're very relatable uh you know what i mean that you talk to people's you know experiences alive so what's around them and maybe i misphrase that is a bit earlier on but talk to me a bit about that i i think the reason they relate to me is is first of all i can't talk about a subject unless i would find it funny personally you know and there's a lot of subjects i wouldn't go near because i'd find them distasteful but i i do sneak in some jokes because i love jokes a lot of comedians nowadays don't tell any jokes but uh the way to get them in is sneak them in you know uh but you can't beat a good joke jokes are great like i love you know the old one about the three guys who die and go to heaven and peter meets them at the gate and he says to the first guy what happened to you and he says well i i came home early from work and there was two glasses of wine and i don't drink and there were cigarettes in the ashtray and i don't smoke i said she's having an affair so i got the big fridge freezer i was after buying in power city brought it to the top of the roof threw it off and as i threw it i slipped and i fell and that's why i'm here and peter says i see says the second guy what happened to you he said uh i was sitting in me car the traffic lights and someone threw a fridge at me he says to the tour fellow what happened to you he said i was sitting in this fridge minding me own business see stupid harmless jokes but they're funny i love jokes i love jokes and i love getting jokes in i love taking the piss out of you know people like donald trump or current things as well uh some of my biggest comedy heroes i got to play my my favorite which is billy connelly i got to play him in a movie called when harvey met bob where um brendan gleason played bob geldorf it was all about live aid 1985 you're probably too young to remember this great thank you you're probably still in nappies going live age i say what's that but um nappies quite late in life but yeah i take it i appreciate it it makes me feel a little bit better about the the hair situation but the thing when it's a baby face and the beard is fantastic i didn't know where your head was upside down but it's not and it looks love i wanted to look after hair right and the only way i can do that is by way of a beard i want to moisturize my hair i'm sorry i want to have shampoo i have shampoo now i could never have shampoo it's called shoulders no no need for the head but you know you know the funny thing i started to go bald when i was in my 20s and i was worried sick about it because it never bothered me i i shaved my head probably long before i needed to uh it just bothered me because you know being so young and my idol my pop star idol was a guy called paul young yeah you're probably too young to remember whatever i laid my hat and all that of course and he'd had a hair about two full of his head yeah and i i had decided they can put a man on the moon so i'm not gonna go bald i was thinking we can do all these things they can do laser eye surgery you can do a million things so i'm gonna hang on to my hair and i tried everything there was a product on the market called rogane and they found that people with high blood pressure when they gave them this it it brought back their hair so they started selling it as a hair replacement thing and of course i took it but it had a reverse effect if you didn't have blood pressure problems this team gave you blood pressure problems and i remember going to the doctor and he said davie you'll be the hairiest one in the coffin he said get off that completely it's funny i tried everything and then one day i watched i think it was diehard with bruce willis he kind of made baldness cool again brilliant and i started i'd get into the shower and i put the shaving foam on here and i started shaving and i said ah thank you and i just kept going and that was that since then brilliant that's it it's funny bald guys out there if you're going going to enjoy it let's get rid of it also it's actually quite interesting it was a treatment for blood pressure that viagra was discovered in and there was something that they noticed in the waiting room of the research center uh and it evolved from there but we're not going it today oh what did they notice in that way that's all we had it's rude to point hey come here davie what are you thinking about we can't wait to see you up here you're in the abbey hotel donnie goll tan the night it's a beautiful setting look you grab a ticket the tickets i think are only 15 euro grab a ticket and come to the show it'll be my first time in donnie goll and my virgin to donnie goll so it's my first time i'm dying to get up there the abbey hotel is a beautiful hotel when it's finished it's going to be really nice i can't wait to go there and it's going to be great fun i guarantee you that tears will be running down your legs you'll have great davie come here lovely chant here uh you're east or something you're a good sort take care of yourself thank you very much thanks thanks for having me davie young live and laughing fenula thank you have a lovely weekend thank you very much love having you on your program michael thank you as always thank you uh thanks for both for your last day yeah yeah as this is your last show all right take care of yourself john breslin's coming up next the news will be just a minute late uh and then it's jb around the northwest the donnie goll senior horrors are in karigan shannon this sunday for the league division to be