News from around the 32 Irish counties

ANTRIM

The battle for the hearts and minds of South Antrim intensified dramatically last week, with the unionist heavy hitters trading blows as the fight enters the closing rounds.
 DUP hopeful William McCrea had elected to turn the other cheek early on, opting for repeated calls for unionist unity rather than his usual combative style. 
By week's end, however, the gloves were off as he pounded Reg Empey over claims that the Conservatives were poised to slash public sector spending in the province.

(Source: The Antrim Guardian)          

ARMAGH

The PSNI is to mount major security operation in the run-up to the forthcoming British general election amid fears of a dissident republican attack. Commanders are concerned that dissidents are planning to try to mar the May 6th poll with a symbolic strike. Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie said today the public should expect more roadside checks and additional patrols across the North in the coming days.

(Source: The Irish Times)

CARLOW

Arlow ladies are streaks ahead in the fashion steaks ... and that’s official! 

Our glamorous gals managed to secure a slot among the finalists of the Arnott’s best dressed ladies competition every day last week at the 2010 Punchestown Festival. Top of the crop was Deirdre Kane from Ballinabranna, who went on to be placed third in the overall final last Friday.

 (Source: The Carlow Nationalist)

 

CAVAN

There appears to be an increase in illegal dumping in various areas. The disgraceful activity that is taking place at the scenic route to the Ballyheady Cairns, just off the Killeshandra Road out of Ballyconnell. This very historic site is an integral part of the geopark and people from the local heritage groups, Ballyconnell Town Development and Cllr. Damien Brady are determined that this activity must stop.

 (Source: The Anglo Celt)

 

CLARE

Just one of the 42 IDA-assisted foreign direct investment greenfield projects announced nationally in the past five years came to Clare, while unemployment among young people is now at 30% in the Mid-West, according to figures revealed last week. In February 2008, the IDA announced that Zimmer Medical Technology would be creating 250 jobs for Shannon. (Source: The Clare Champion)

CORK

A Duhallow couple whose recording studio was gutted in a fire caused by a mishap with a lawnmower last week are now presenting and producing Sky's new county music channel. Knocknagree based Leo and Noreen Fitzgerald are behind new Sky channel 171, aimed at giving less well known Irish country artists some television coverage.

(Source: The Corkman)

DERRY

The fallout from the massive Vehicle Registration Tax crackdown in Inishowen a fortnight ago continues to gather heat with Muff based Ryan Stewart, who is spearheading the anti-VRT campaign and now has 6, 000 registered supporters, accused Inishowen Senator Cecilia Keaveney of treating the Donegal public with "contempt and disregard’.

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Nster.com