FF pledges strong support to family of murdered Longford woman Sharon Coughlan

‎26th October 2012

FF pledges strong support to family of murdered Longford woman Sharon Coughlan

Fianna Fáil has pledged its full support to the family of murdered Longford woman Sharon Coughlan in their campaign against the Government’s plans to send her killer home to his native country, the Czech Republic.

David Brozovsky, a Czech national with 27 previous convictions, was sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of the 37 year old mother-of-two near her home in Longford in 2007. The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter now plans to allow him serve out the remainder of his sentence in his home country.

A delegation from Fianna Fáil, including Longford-Westmeath TD Robert Troy, Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins TD and Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD met the family and friends of Sharon Coughlan at Leinster House in Dublin this week. They were among 5,500 people to sign a petition submitted to the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.

Speaking at Leinster House, Deputy Troy pledged his full support to the Coughlan family.

“This is an absolutely heartbreaking story and the Coughlan family’s pain and grief is only worsened by the Justice Minister’s plans to allow her killer to be sent home to the Czech Republic,” said Deputy Troy.

“The Coughlan family want to know how a brutal murderer deserves this special treatment. Minister Shatter says he has been given ‘assurances’ by the Czech authorities that they will ensure Mr Brozovsky serves at least 20 years in prison. But for the Coughlan family, this is not enough. Mr Brozovsky pleaded guilty to raping and strangling a young Irish mother and her family want to ensure that justice is done. Sharon’s two young children are struggling to understand why the Minister has decided to listen to their mother’s killer rather than to the victim’s loved ones,” said Deputy Troy.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins said, “I’ve attempted to raise this in the Dáil with Minister Shatter but so far have been refused a special debate on the matter. I will continue to seek a full explanation from the Minister until the Coughlan family get the treatment they deserve.”

 

Positive and Active Campaign will ensure Children's Amendment Passed – Troy

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Positive and Active Campaign will ensure Children's Amendment Passed – Fianna Fáil

Fianna Fáil has called for an honest and positive campaign in the Children’s Referendum ahead of the public vote on November 10th as Leader Micheál Martin launched the party’s campaign for a Yes vote.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy TD said: “This referendum is an extremely important moment for Ireland and the future of our children. The Irish people will decide on a proposal to enshrine specific rights of children in Bunreacht na hÉireann. The Irish people do not lightly vote to change the Constitution and we will be working in the days and weeks ahead to inform the public as to why we believe this change is right for our children and right the country.

“The proposed changes will strengthen the rights of children, will ensure the voice of the child is heard in key proceedings regarding their care and wellbeing and offers a unique opportunity to begin a cultural change in Ireland on the care and welfare of all children. This is one of those rare times when the day-to-day politics can be put aside in support of a very important issue that is non-political in my view.

“Fianna Fáil has already begun a series of meetings around the country to inform our members of the proposal being put before the people on November 10th and there will be more meeting held around the country in the weeks ahead. I am delighted that Barry Andrews is undertaking the role of Director of Elections in the campaign. As Minister for Children he significantly progressed the proposition that the public will be voting on. Barry will be a strong and positive voice in the Yes campaign.”

Director of Elections Barry Andrews said: “From the meetings I have attended already it is clear that there is a strong base of support among Fianna Fáil members for the proposed Constitutional change. I am looking forward to a very active campaign from the party over the coming weeks.

“As we know from previous referenda on a range of issues complacency has often let down the yes side. However on this occasion I know the Fianna Fáil party will be working to ensure that a positive and consistent message is brought to the public through our elected representatives and members. As we get closer to polling day the public will engage more and more with the issues and there will be a strong campaign from Fianna Fáil through to polling day in an effort to ensure there is a broad consensus from the Irish public and that a strong yes vote is returned on November 10th.”

Mullingar Town Council Update

Posted By Cllr Ken Glynn on 22/10/2012

Questions:

2.5 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council when works will be carried out to help improve safety for all pedestrians on the approach to All Saints National School.

2.6 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council to give a firm commitment that outstanding works at the entrance to Ardleigh Crescent, including additional planting, restoring the fence mesh and upgrading the roundabout which serves as an entrance to both Ardleigh Crescent and Greenpark Meadows, be carried out, as previously requested.

2.7 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council what progress has been made in relation to establishment of ownership of the lane behind The Moorings and the completion of fencing at the front of this estate, which is necessary in the interests of public safety.

2.8 Cllr.Glynn: To ask Westmeath County Council what progress is being made in providing essential services in Cloon Lara such as completed road and footpath surfaces, outstanding sewerage and drainage issues and the completion of the entrance, including a right filter turning lane in to the estate, which is vital in the interests of public safety.

Motions:

5.3 Cllr.Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would advise when it intends to move the pedestrian crossing further away from the roundabout beside Mullingar Regional Hospital, as it is currently extremely dangerous for pedestrians using this crossing due to its close proximity to the roundabout.

5.4 Cllr.Glynn: That Westmeath County Council would take immediate action to improve sight distance for motorists coming from the Blackhall direction and using the mini roundabout in Mullingar Business Park, which currently forces motorists to move into the roundabout in order to properly view traffic coming from the right.