This article is from page 3 of the 2006-11-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
ENDA Kenny is predicting a twoseat win in the Clare constituency in light of recent polls and the party’s successful run in the local and European elections.
The Fine Gael leader has admitted, however, betting on a Mayo win in this year’s All Ireland following the Connacht team’s success in defeating Dublin.
But Deputy Kenny is adamant that the party can succeed and on Thursday last promised to fulfil for the party faithful their dreams for Clare if elected Taoiseach.
First at the Mayo man’s door, if he is successful, will be Cllr Joe Arkins, who will be asking him to fulfil his promise to him on the hospital.
Cllr Arkins asked “when Fine Gael are in power” will Ennis General Hospital be guaranteed continuing and developing consultant-led Accident and Emergency service and appropriate diagnostic services?
“A simple ‘yes’ will do me fine,” he said at the public meeting with Deputy Kenny in the Auburn Lodge Hotel on Thursday last.
The leader received a round of applause as he said, “You have my word on that.”
Deputy Kenny also promised to put Ennistymon Community School on a critical building list, much to the appreciation of Cllr Martin Conway.
The Fine Gael leader also promised Cllr Conway that he would visit the Doolin Rescue Service to see for himself the “appalling conditions” in which they worked.
He promised a special SSIA scheme for first-time buyers so they could accumulate a deposit for a new home, to abolish stamp duty on houses under €400,000 and to ensure a set standard for building houses and granting planning permission in all counties.