I attended the AGM of Roscommon Ogra on 08 September 2012 in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Congratulations to the 
Incoming committee of Roscommon Ógra Fianna Fáil, I look forward to working closely with Roscommon Ogra in my capacity as the only FF member of the Oireachtas for Roscommon.

Chairperson: David Keane
Vice Chairperson: Seán Óg Higgins
Secretary: Gárbh Madigan
Co- Treasurer: Mairéad Mulry
Co- Treasurer: Raymond Keane
PRO/Membership: Michelle Meally

I attended the British Ambassador’s now traditional summer garden party ton the evening of 6 September in Glencairn House.  
http://britishembassyinireland.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=808531382

At a meeting of the Council of Europe Monitoring Committee in Paris this morning, Fianna Fáil Senator Terry Leyden echoed calls from the Council for the immediate release of the so-called ‘Pussy Riot’ activists.

Senator Leyden is the Deputy Leader of the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe and he welcomed the decision of the Council.

“In a democracy, the right to freedom of expression may be subject to conditions intended to protect morals and the rights of others,” said Senator Leyden.

“Any penalties imposed must be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. The two-year sentence imposed on the three members of the ‘Pussy Riot’ group is hugely disproportionate and we are calling on them to be immediately released.

“I hope that the Russian courts will review this conviction, taking into account the standards set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. 

“To be considered a truly democratic nation, which adheres to the basics of human rights, the Russian courts must review this decision and release the activists, whose punishment did not fit the crimes they are alleged to have committed.

Here is a few photos from the archives

Crutches and zimmer-frames, essential in aiding our mobility following an accident or illness, have for years now, found long-term retirement homes in attics across the length and breadth of the country. The HSE’s no-returns policy when it comes to crutches and zimmer frames has meant that once patients were finished with such items, they had no further use – until now that is.

Recently, the Jack and Jill Foundation have been retained by the HSE to collect all these abandoned, old, dust-catching crutches and zimmer frames to be recycled to the benefit of the Jack & Jill Foundation

There could be one million crutches out there in Irish homes just taking up space; environmental hazard, waste of money. These old crutches will help support Jack & Jill families up and down the country. So this is win win for everyone and good opportunity to remind people to keep sending in their old mobiles too

Speaking on the order of Business Thursday, 19 July 2012: I ask the Leader of the House to devote time today to debate another matter raised by Senator Norris, namely the tragic death of Ms Elaine Curley, who was only 19 years old. She was 15 minutes away from Roscommon Hospital when she was involved in a car crash on the Galway-Roscommon border. Due to the closure of the accident and emergency department in Roscommon Hospital, she died. She is the first real, declared tragedy of the decision by the Government of Deputies James Reilly and Enda Kenny, who gave commitments and promises to the people of Roscommon that the accident and emergency department in Roscommon would be retained. They misled the people. This young girl is a victim of the policies of the Fine Gael, Labour Government.

Angry scenes erupt in Seanad in debate over Roscommon death
http://www.shannonside.ie/news-details.php?nid=12886

HSE defends two-hour tragic ambulance trip
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/hse-defends-twohour-tragic-ambulance-trip-3174221.html

On 5th July 1977, the 21st Dail met for the first time. 35 years ago this week. The say a week is a long time in politics, well 35 years have passed since I first walked through the gates of Leinster house as an elected representative. I was asked this week of my memories of the day - I remember it as if it was only last week. Its interesting
* An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and myself are the only 2 remaining TDs elected in 1977 that are elected members of the current Oireachtas
* It was 54 years since Roscommon had elected a Roscommon Town Fianna Fail TD to Leinster House

 About this election:  

My first general election campaign. The Irish general election of 1977 was held on 16 June 1977 and is regarded as a pivotal point in twentieth century Irish politics. 
Quota = 8,892
Name                     1st Pref  Share of Vote 
 Joan T Burke (FG) 7,862    0.22 
Terry Leyden (FF) 6,563    0.18 
 Sean Doherty (FF) 5,968    0.17 

Met a very wise man in Cremully, Roscommon today. We were talking about how time goes so fast...and this wise sage quoted his father redney "in the words of my father, life is only a dream". I thought that was deep!