Snippets -19 March 1997
12 March 1997
Literacy campaigner makes Presidental election call
A national literacy campaigner has called for the introduction of photographs on ballot sheets for the Irish Presidential election in November.Mr. Ernie Sweeney, a member of the executive committee of the Irish Literacy Association, issued his appeal in the wake of President Mary Robinson's decision not to serve another term in office.
A commitment has been given by Mr. Brendan Howlin, T.D., Minister for the Environment, to introduce the idea for the European Parliament elections in 1999.
Now Mr. Sweeney, who has been spearheading the campaign for over a decade, is seeking the introduction of the proposal two years ahead of schedule for the Presidential Election.
He said: "I think the Minister should be prepared to bring forward my recommendation in light of President Robinson's announcement.
"It would be the perfect opportunity in which to place photographs on the ballot sheet for the first time in the history of the nation."
Jobs boost for Knock
Forty full-time new jobs will be created in Knock following the granting of planning permission for a 120 bed pilgrim hostel in the village. The development plan also envisages a bigger carpark and an extension to the local Folk Museum.
An application for £4 million funding which will be needed for the projects
will be made to the EU shortly.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - March 1997
