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Regina Doherty on "The Week in Politics"

Watch me on "The Week in Politics" on RTE tonight or catch me later on RTE Player 40 minutes in click HERE

Personal Debt Resolutions Must Form Integral Part of Recover Plans

The Financial Crisis which has been bestowed on us by this Government is having a drastic affect on individuals, families and small business owners alike. Looking for ways to cut our expenditure is becoming an everyday occurrence while we witness the value of our homes, pensions and investment diminish, often secured with loans far in excess of the value of these assets.

Uncertainty surrounding our finances and the high level of debt directly impacts on consumer confidence and is hugely damaging to the economy. This has a knock-on effect to small and medium business who we rely on so much for employment and a paradox situation is created. The scale of the issues and the competing nature of the demands in terms of personal debt and business needs have resulted in some paralysis at a time when stimulation is required. A well though out and integrated plan is needed to address this uncertainty.

I fully understand the enormity of the pressure that people and business are under. Under a Fine Gael Government, I want to offer a range of possible solutions for the settlement of debt due to the banks who have lets us and the Country down so badly.

We would instruct banks to restructure loan repayment by way of moratorium or variation of loan terms, all avenues should be explored. I will ensure that in government Fine Gael will address the financial situation many people and business have found themselves in through no fault of their own.

Cllr. Regina Doherty

Cordially invites you to the
launch of her
Election Campaign
at
Ratoath GAA Club, Ratoath,
on
Sunday 6th February at 9pm

Guest Speaker:
Richard Bruton TD

I look forward to seeing
you on the night

Public Sector Reform Will restore Pride to Public Sector Workers

Fine Gael candidate Regina Doherty has stated that as part of our Four Year Plan, Fine Gael are looking to reduce Public Sector numbers in the region of 30,000. Quite a number of these will be by way of normal retirements and ordinary leavers, but the remainder will be part of a co-ordinated well thought out voluntary plan and will be rolled out over the next four years.
The fiasco around the recent attempt by Fianna Fail to reduce the numbers in the HSE is proof that any plan must be well thought out and accurately timed. Voluntary redundancy and early retirement offers have to be designed with a clear outcome in mind, protection of frontline service is a priority. It makes no sense whatsoever to offer early retirement or redundancy packages to a position which is essential. It is also paramount that staff be afforded sufficient time and provided with full details in order that they can consider all of their options. The recent redundancy package within the HSE was lacking both of these vital considerations, is there any wonder it failed.
Never before has it been more important to obtain best value for money within our public service and efficiency is key. We are only a small country and certain services can be dealt with in central locations, such as Means Testing which is presently being carried out at 1,500 locations around Ireland. Tackling inefficiency, waste and duplication in our Public Service is vital, overall reform can only lead to a more streamlined and cost efficient service which will benefit everyone now and in the future. For too long public sector workers have been tarred with the brush inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Under a Fine Gael government, respect and pride will be restored alongside improved services.

Cllr Regina Doherty disscusses Women in Politics on RTE's "The Late Debate"

Cllr Regina Doherty disscusses Women in Politics on RTE's "The Late Debate" 2nd February 2011

Click HERE to listen

Call for a Saturday Poll

Cllr. Regina Doherty is calling for a Saturday Poll in the forthcoming election.  Most of our Polling Stations are in our Primary Schools up and down the country.  Due the recent severe weather spells, our very young children have missed weeks of teaching and should not be expected to lose another day when not necessary.A Saturday Poll will also facilitate college students vote in their home towns.  Having been so recently affected by a massive increase in registration fees, I am sure they will want to exercise their vote as much as the rest of the electorate.

Ashbourne Post Services Must be Restored

Recently, some postal services were moved from Ashbourne Post Office to Dunshaughlin Sorting Office.  When a parcel or package cannot be delivered, it is now transferred to Dunshauglin for collection.  As I am sure you are all aware, Dunshaughlin Sorting Office is situated in an Industrial Estate on the very busy N3 at the entrance to the town.  People have no choice but to access the Industrial Estate from this road.  Access is not ideal by any stretch of the imagination.  The area has always been plagued with traffic and any unnecessary additional traffic will only lead to further congestion. 

On top of this, the hours of business are proving extremely difficult for many, particularly in the Ashbourne area to collect their goods often resulting in parcels being returned to sender, which of course has a cost.  There is no public transport available from Ashbourne to Dushaughlin either, compounding the problem to Ashbourne Residents.
Prior to the move, this service was handled by Ashbourne Post Office and given its location proved to be successful.  Moving this service was ill-advised and never should have happened.  I have duly written to An Post requesting a meeting in which I can address the concerns of residents directly with a view to reversing the move.  I am await correspondence from An Post regarding my request and am thankful that this matter was brought to my attention.

Eirgrid and MCC responsible for road conditions during Interconnector Project

EirGrid have recently commenced the laying of the interconnector in the Meath area.  The roads currently affected are the L5015-13 Cabinhill and the L 22091-0 just off the R147 (Old N3),  with work due to commence on the Batterstown to Woodland L6207 on 27th January 2011.  This work is being carried out in stages and different skill/contractors & materials are required for each stage.  The current contractors are in the process of laying ducting and once finished, the next stage will commence.   I do not envisage much, if any, gaps between stages.  
I would like to reassure all residents and road users that (even though) the overall responsibility for completion of this project is with EirGrid, the contractors will be required to maintain the roads in a safe manner.  Once the project is complete, EirGrid are required to reinstate the roads to perfect condition, their original state.  Meath County Council will be ensuring that this requirement is carried out to the letter.

While this work is ongoing, if anybody is concerned about serious potholes or dangerous conditions, please do let me know.  I will contact Meath County Council to ensure that action can be taken as early as possible to remedy any dangerous situations. 

Ban on below Cost Selling of Alcohol Required to Protect Young

Every weekend in all our national newspapers the fierce competition between
the larger supermarkets competing with each other results in alcohol getting
cheaper and cheaper. Pages and pages of adverts with 6 bottles of beer for sale
for €7 and bottles of vodka for less than €15 take over our Sunday papers.
Below cost selling of alcohol is being used as a loss leader by the multiples in
order to attract more customers to their store but the insidious effect of this is
fuelling the culture of home drinking which will have long term effects on the
changing culture if Ireland.
More importantly I am extremely concerned about the growing culture by young
people of “home” drinking. Teenagers and young adults can buy bottles of
vodka for €15 and are drinking them with no cause for concern. If we do not
address this issue immediately we will have major alcohol related issues and
problems in the future.
I will be seeking a ban on below costs selling of alcohol in these type of outlets
or the increase of excise duty on these sales to reduce the availability of very
cheap alcohol.