Today was a hectic affair. The campaign is really heating up.
The day started with an interview with Midlands Radio 103 to discuss the election. During the election getting on the airwaves is most important to get our message out there.
After a robust discussion it was back to Trim to open the launch of the Church of Ireland primary school. I've been associated with this project since I visited the school five years ago. At that time, the school was being run in the church as it has been for the previous 98 years. A curtain was used to separate two classes.
I recommended that they seek funding from the Department of Education and Science which they received. This relatively small community within Trim then raised €400,000 from local fundraising. This fine new school is testament to what a community can achieve.
We had a surprise visit from the Taoiseach who arrived in Trim early. He was very impressed by the new school and praised members of the community. Then he went for a quick walkabout down Market St in Trim where he was mobbed by enthusiastic supporters and well-wishers.
After that I met with my Meath Fianna Fáil running mates - Johnny Brady, Thomas Byrne and Mary Wallace where we handed in our papers. This made official our running for the election.
Next to Navan to launch a report into the RAPID areas. These socially disadvantaged areas in towns have received huge levels of funding in the lifetime of this government. The report I launched stated that these areas have benefited hugely in terms of employment. However there are still pockets of people in areas that require targeted funding. This report will identify these areas and ensure that funding is targeted at those where it can make the biggest difference.
Speaking of making difference, I then launched the Aisling International website. I was asked by Marie Byrne to attend. She and her staff have made a huge difference in the lives of young people who have become involved with drugs. She believes, and I agree with her, that more information, like this website provides, is vital for addressing the issue.
Next I was escorted by two centurions at the opening of Cohort Recruitment and Training in Scurlockstown Business Park in Trim. This company is run by two young men from Meath, Andrew Reilly and James Gibbons who donned centurion costumes for the opening. They source labour from all around the world to fill skills gaps in the horticulture and construction sector. It's amazing to think that we are now importing workers into Ireland, whereas only twenty years ago our young people had to leave our countries to look for work. Andrew and James and their partners Darlene and Lisa have put a huge amount of work into this business and it's paid off. They personify the new-found confidence in young Irish people.
Then I travelled to Navan to canvass the electorate. This is real canvassing weather, and it's a pleasure to get out meeting people on the doorsteps. The response is very positive so far with the electorate focusing on key issues around some of the things FF are addressing. I wish the media could try to do the same.
Finally home for a meeting with the canvassing team to discuss the issues of the day and plan for tomorrow.
The day started with an interview with Midlands Radio 103 to discuss the election. During the election getting on the airwaves is most important to get our message out there.
After a robust discussion it was back to Trim to open the launch of the Church of Ireland primary school. I've been associated with this project since I visited the school five years ago. At that time, the school was being run in the church as it has been for the previous 98 years. A curtain was used to separate two classes.
I recommended that they seek funding from the Department of Education and Science which they received. This relatively small community within Trim then raised €400,000 from local fundraising. This fine new school is testament to what a community can achieve.
We had a surprise visit from the Taoiseach who arrived in Trim early. He was very impressed by the new school and praised members of the community. Then he went for a quick walkabout down Market St in Trim where he was mobbed by enthusiastic supporters and well-wishers.
After that I met with my Meath Fianna Fáil running mates - Johnny Brady, Thomas Byrne and Mary Wallace where we handed in our papers. This made official our running for the election.
Next to Navan to launch a report into the RAPID areas. These socially disadvantaged areas in towns have received huge levels of funding in the lifetime of this government. The report I launched stated that these areas have benefited hugely in terms of employment. However there are still pockets of people in areas that require targeted funding. This report will identify these areas and ensure that funding is targeted at those where it can make the biggest difference.
Speaking of making difference, I then launched the Aisling International website. I was asked by Marie Byrne to attend. She and her staff have made a huge difference in the lives of young people who have become involved with drugs. She believes, and I agree with her, that more information, like this website provides, is vital for addressing the issue.
Next I was escorted by two centurions at the opening of Cohort Recruitment and Training in Scurlockstown Business Park in Trim. This company is run by two young men from Meath, Andrew Reilly and James Gibbons who donned centurion costumes for the opening. They source labour from all around the world to fill skills gaps in the horticulture and construction sector. It's amazing to think that we are now importing workers into Ireland, whereas only twenty years ago our young people had to leave our countries to look for work. Andrew and James and their partners Darlene and Lisa have put a huge amount of work into this business and it's paid off. They personify the new-found confidence in young Irish people.
Then I travelled to Navan to canvass the electorate. This is real canvassing weather, and it's a pleasure to get out meeting people on the doorsteps. The response is very positive so far with the electorate focusing on key issues around some of the things FF are addressing. I wish the media could try to do the same.
Finally home for a meeting with the canvassing team to discuss the issues of the day and plan for tomorrow.
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