‘Dangerous Precedent’
The ruling Unity Party (UP) has termed the Supreme Court’s action in recent electoral disputes involving two of its senators- elect as a “dangerous precedent.”Cllr. Varney Sherman and Morris Saytumah won their respective senatorial seats in the special elections with 13,651 and 8,857 votes in Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties, respectively, but the results were subsequently challenged before the high court, ignoring the required channels provided by the electoral laws of Liberia.The High Court has since ruled in both cases and instructed the National Elections Commission (NEC) to proceed with the certification of the UP senators- elect.At the ceremony yesterday, UP Secretary General Wilmot Paye noted that the trend of the Supreme Court signals a very “dangerous precedent” for Liberia’s fragile democracy.Paye told newsmen that his party is worried about the future of the country in the wake of “the interference from the High Court.”He equated the latest action by the Supreme Court to the “misuse of judiciary power,” and wondered what will be the role of the Supreme Court in 2017 when elections will be conducted for 73 electoral districts and for the presidency.“There are laws that govern electoral processes. The new Election Law states how complaints emanating from election competitions are addressed in Liberia and we expect the court to know these things. The law called for electoral disputes to start with the counties then to the Commission before finally reaching the Supreme Court. From all indications, these two cases began at the Supreme Court,” he said.“Imagine in 2017 how the Supreme Court will be overwhelmed with unnecessary complaints because they have set a very wrong precedent,” the UP stalwart stressed.Meanwhile, presenting certificates to the two winners in Monrovia, the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Cllr. Sarah M. Toe said after conducting hearings into complaints filed against the elected senators, the Board of Commissioners of NEC reaffirmed their election because the complainants could not prove “allegations of electoral fraud filed against the candidates.”“Consequently, the Supreme Court of Liberia last week rescinded its decision to prohibit the certification of Cllrs. Sherman and Saytumah.“Accordingly, and in keeping with Section 2.9 (q) of the New Elections Law of Liberia, we are gathered here today to certificate Cllr. Sherman and Cllr. Saytumah. The certification of Mr. Tornolah is still pending,” the acting NEC Boss noted. She said as much as these individuals felt discouraged because they could not be certificated with their colleagues during the certification ceremony on January 3, the NEC welcomes the decision of those who felt aggrieved by the outcome of the December 20, 2014 Special Senatorial Election in their recourse to the law. “This is a clear indication that our democracy is maturing. It is therefore the wish of the Commission that this practice of reverting to the law whenever a citizen feels aggrieved in a process will resonate in all areas of our lives as citizens of Liberia.” Cllr. Toe concluded. Speaking on behalf of the newly certificated senators, Bomi County Senator-elect, Morris Saytumah lauded the NEC, the Supreme Court and the electorate for the process that legitimized their election as senators of Bomi and Cape Mount Counties, respectively. He said that they are going to the Senate to make significant changes in the body politics of Liberia, noting that the current senate will work very diligently to ensure a smooth transition in 2017.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Republic Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigel Baptiste has expressed disappointment over the fact that the financial institution’s plans to acquire Scotiabank’s assets in Guyana were not approved by authorities.Republic Bank CEO Nigel Baptiste“While this development is disappointing, we do not dwell on disappointment,” he is quoted as saying in an article published by Trinidadian media entity Newsday.“As a group, we remain fully engaged and committed to supporting the nation of Guyana through our operations there, as well as toward ensuring the success of all activities for which we have received the requisite regulatory approvals, under the proposed BNS acquisition,” he further stated.Guyana’s Central Bank recently denied Republic Bank Guyana’s application to buy out the Bank of Nova Scotia’s operations in Guyana.Last November, Republic Bank had announced its interest in acquiring the Canadian multinational bank’s operations in several countries, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.This is following Scotiabank’s decision to leave these Caribbean nations. At the time, the local financial authorities were not informed of the decision.Finance Minister Winston Jordan had expressed concerns that the sale might result in Republic Bank owning more than 50 per cent of the total banking assets in Guyana.In denying the application, Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga said decision makers took into consideration concerns about concentration and competition which would have negative impacts on the country’s financial system.The Finance Ministry had revealed that Republic Bank’s share of the banking system assets in Guyana stood at 35.4 per cent and its deposits, 36.8 per cent. The purchase of Scotiabank’s operations would have seen that figure grow to 51 per cent.Nonetheless, the Republic Bank CEO said: “We appreciate the Bank of Guyana’s acknowledgement of the value of our longstanding role in the development of Guyana’s financial landscape and our continued contribution to the financial sector.”
Relative of Shawna Marie Byers, 23 years old, reported her missing yesterday morning to the RCMP. She was last seen on September 29 in the area of 102 Avenue and 99 Street in Grande Prairie.Police say she may be with her boyfriend, Dustin Ohs, although they do not believe foul play is a factor.“However, there is a concern for her well being and police would like to locate and speak with Byers as soon as possible,” Cpl. Roy Kennedy said in a written statement.- Advertisement -Byers is described as Caucasian, approximately 5’3 in height and 119 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Police are unable to composite a clothing description at the time of her disappearance.If you have information regarding Byers whereabouts, contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780 830 5701 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477.
*DISCLAIMER: These subtitles are less accurate than Eden Hazard’s shooting was in 2015.As rumours began circulating that Chelsea’s Eden Hazard had decided his future was with Real Madrid, the talkSPORT translator sprang into action and interpreted a “new” interview with the Belgian winger which seems to back these rumours up.By the way, our translator did get a B in GCSE French… he just could have forgotten most of that by now!
As this year’s competitors make their way on to the starting ramp for the Donegal International Rally, I will be celebrating 40 years of trying to capture the magic that is the Donegal International Rally.I started out while still at St. Eunan’s College as a student to try and get photos of all the great rally cars on the special stages around Donegal.A view of James Cullen Ascona 400 in 1988 at the start of one of his best rallying seasons.. Photo Brian McDaidToday in the digital age it looks very easy to shoot all day for all of the three days and enjoy viewing the images on your computer that evening. It was a a bit different back in the day. Advertisement A roll of 36 exposure film took a week to develop and was very costly for a school-going student to pay for.I had a very understanding local chemist in the late Jim Mc Cormack who doubled as my darkroom man in them days and my supplier of camera gear. My first camera was a Zenith Camera which was pure crap, or maybe it was the young photographer who was at fault!In 1978 I modified my kit with a second hand camera, a Olympus OM1 with a fast 50mm lens and a telephoto 135mm f3.5. Advertisement Manual focusMy new gear worked well and there was no such thing as auto focus in them days so you had to figure out in advance where the car was going to end up before the rally car appeared on the stage.James Cullen , Donegal Motor Club’s most successfull rally pictured with his navigator the Late Ellen Morgan , David Lylellen and Miss Shell at the finishing ramp of the Donegal Rally.I think Jim Mc Cormack was a sorry man that year when I shot that much film for him to develop as I collected envelope after envelope of pictures of rally cars.Getting local competitors coverage in the papersGetting good pictures of rally cars that year was my start into photography for life, I had all the local papers demented leaving in loads of pictures of rally cars which were hard enough to get published at the time and editors ended up maybe using one or two rally pictures and then sending me out to cover soccer or GAA matches instead.Over the years I have covered the rally every June but always was ask to cover events on the run up to the Donegal Rally for local papers, and also got the odd picture into the national newspapers.Most treasured photoIn 1989 Alan Tyndall, (Plum) asked me to cover the Donegal Rally for the Irish Times to complement Des Bradley’s report for the following Monday’s paper. Always the true professional Alan Tyndall worked out a system I could cover the rally for the paper.Irish Times report of the Donegal Rally in 1989. Photo Brian McDaidOn the Friday of the rally he suggested that I get a good photo of all of the top 15 rally cars. Then it was into the darkroom in the old Donegal Democrat office on the Port Rd. in Letterkenny where I worked as the local photographer. I would then develop fifteen 10+8 black and white prints which we then packaged up and put on the CIE Express Bus to Dublin where the Irish Times staff met the Donegal Bus in Dublin to collect the pictures.Bad mobile phone coverage In them days the phone service on mobile phones was very poor in Donegal so it was arranged that I would phone the Irish Times from the Shandon Hotel on the Sunday evening as soon as we knew who was the winner of the rally and described the winning car to them.A single picture of a Toyota Celica of David Llewellin which was used in the Irish Times the next morning. That was in 1989 and it’s amazing now how much the way we take photos has changed and how quick we can publish them online right away.Local talentLocal competitors are the bread and butter of motorsport in Co Donegal over the years I enjoyed working with them. I remember on the run up to one of the Donegal’s myself and the late Eamon Harvey, who were both members of the Letterkenny Fire Brigade and were on standby at a long fire call at the Letterkenny Fire Station. Eamon ask me had I a camera in the car, and before I knew it we were heading down to Eamon’s Auto Factors who were his sponsor to get a photo of him presenting Eamon Harvey with a cheque for that year’s rally.National coverageOne of the big days on the run in to the Donegal Rally every year was the press day that the motor club did in both Belfast and Dublin.The famous Ford of Fishers on Fanad head stage in the hand of Kelvin Keys and Kevin Gallinagh. Photo Brian Mc DaidA trip to the Kings Hall in Belfast where the greats of the Donegal Rally like the late Bertie Fisher gave up his time to help and promote the Donegal Rally.The late Jim Kennedy at the finish of another successful Donegal Rally chatting with Bertie Fisher’s father Photo Brian McDaidThen on the same day that afternoon it was off to Dublin to Shell House who was their main sponsor at the time for another photo shoot for the national papers in Dublin.Favourite article on rallyingMaybe it’s because the late Sammy Fisher is no longer with us that the interview I done with him many years ago stands out as one to treasure, it was of course more about his little yellow mini than him.The quietly spoken Ramelton man told me about seeing the Mini sitting in the corner of the showroom of the old PMPA garages on the Port Rd. in Letterkenny.The little yellow mini of Sammy Fisher on the Muckish Stage of the Donegal International Rally in 1990’s The car was originally a green Cooper S when Sammy bought it in the PMPA garage on the Port Rd in Letterkenny ,many years before, Sammy developed the car from its factory specification. and painted the car yellow, Manys the competitor new to Donegal might not have been impressed to be seeded behind this little car, but as the event progressed, the would be gland the were behind it as Sammy and his Mini left the most of the field behind them. (Photo Brian McDaid)It was an original Mini Cooper S and did not start out life as yellow but British Racing Green and he knew the first day he seen that Cooper, that the car was going to be his.Sammy didn’t buy that car right away but eventually got the money together to buy it and rally it, and made it one of the great memories of the Donegal Rally.Donegal has produced a lot of great rally drivers over the years some like Vincent Bonnar, James Cullen, Declan Boyle, and Manus Kelly had the great honour of winning their home event, so many others have been there or there about; some of whom are no longer with us like John Connors, James McDaid and Derek Mc Mahon who gave us great memories of the Donegal rally.James Cullen pictured with Sponsor Tony Kelly and co-driver Cathal Mc Gettighan, Photo Brian McDaidOthers like Paul Harris, Joe Mc Hugh, Robert Ward, Damien Tourish and not forgetting the Milkman are only a few of the Donegal drivers that mixed it with the best of the rest in their days to make the Donegal rally one of the best event in Ireland.Three times World Rally champion Sebastian Leob pictured with Toni Kelly and Joe Hunter at the Start of the Donegal International Rally on FridayPrincipal Sponsors of the Donegal International Rally Donegal Oil Company represented by the Mc Mahon Family including Alister, Author, Anne and Derek pictured at the service area in Letterkenny. Photo Brian Mc DaidPaddy Hopkirk and Plill Coulter who were special guest at the start of the rally on Friday. Photo Brian McDaidDD Motoring: Forty years of snapping rally cars was last modified: June 1st, 2017 by Brian McDaidShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:brian mc daiddonegal international rallymotoring
Every time Ally McCoist lost it on air in 2019, including funny XI reactions RANKED BEST OF Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won four on the spin in the league and can go above City if they pick up three points here.But that will be easier said than done against Guardiola and Co, who are yet to lose so far this campaign.What time is kick-off?This clash is set for Monday, November 29.Kick-off at is at 8pm.Originally slated for Sunday afternoon, Spurs were forced to move the fixture to Wembley because their new ground remains unfinished.Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles were playing on the pitch yesterday, the last of three NFL games at the Home of Football this season.Which TV channel can I watch it on?You can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event.As usual on a Monday night, coverage begins at 7pm. If you fancy streaming, use your Sky Go account or grab a NOW TV pass for just £7.99. FOOTBALL LATEST Tottenham host Manchester City in a controversial re-arranged showdown at Wembley.With their new stadium not ready, Spurs are back at the Home of Football and forced to welcome the Premier League champions on a Monday night. REVEALED Which teams do the best on Boxing Day in the Premier League era? MONEY Where Ancelotti ranks with every Premier League boss for trophies won 
Forbes list reveals how much Mayweather, Ronaldo and Messi earned this decade Top nine Premier League free transfers of the decade 1 Ronaldo warned Lukaku how hard scoring goals in Serie A would be before Inter move ADVICE REVEALED Erik Lamela scored the only goal of the game to give Spurs the win at West Ham What is the team news?Erik Lamela could be rewarded for his excellent recent form with a place in the starting lineup.But this one might be too soon for Dele Alli, with the home side concerned about the state of the Wembley pitch and his iffy hamstring.City can’t call on Ilkay Gundogan, but Fabian Delph has recovered from a knock to be in contention.
With apologies once again to our Donegal readers overseas…he’s a superb clip from the auld sod.A trip to Europe’s highest seacliffs at Slieve League in a Triumph TR6! Great car – great view.DDTV VIDEO: DRIVING TO SLIABH LIAG IN A TRIUMPH TR6 was last modified: November 16th, 2011 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:DDTV VIDEO: DRIVING TO SLIABH LIAG IN A TRIUMPH TR6
JP and Mark McCloskey are the men behind Evolve Menswear – one of Donegal’s most successful clothing retail stores. The lads have come to the fore in recent months as one of the main sponsors of the Donegal team. They are proud Donegal men and here JP reveals what he loves about Donegal and why he still loves his mother’s cooking!What is your favourite place in Donegal and why? I love Fanad Drive, the scenery is amazing and it is a great place to go for a drive and get away from the hussle and bussle!If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?Have proper infrastructure connecting Donegal to the main cities in Ireland. Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?Michael Murphy, such a great leader and genuine man.Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?Daniel O’Donnell I would have to say as I have had the pleasure of meeting Daniel in Evolve Menswear a few weeks ago. He is a great ambassador for Donegal as is Packie Bonner.What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?I think it is definitely when Michael Murphy stepped upto accept Sam Maguire on behalf of the Donegal team and for the people of Donegal.What was Donegal’s saddest moment? The impact of the recession has had on peoples lives, finances and the exodus of young people to other countries on look for work.What is your favourite Donegal-made product?Carbhait Ties, which are made in Falcarragh. They are a brilliant tie and are sold all over Ireland. Always give a great knot and hold it shape.Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why? Again I think Daniel O’Donnell as he attracts so many people to Donegal and always conducts himself so well in all parts of the world.Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?Donegal is full of successful business men and women, it would be very hard to pick one!Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?We are very lucky to have such great sports people from the county. It is tough to decide between Packie Bonner, Shay Given, Anthony Bonnar and Michael Murphy for their great roles in their sports.What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?Arena 7, always so consistent with its food and always a great buzz around the place.Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?Noel Cunningham is always very well turned out and wears a suit really well!What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?Yes Sir!!What is your favourite Donegal food?Anything that my mother cooks.Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?The lack of ability and cooperation to solve the December traffic problems.If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?I would place traffic lights at the Port Bridge roundabout to allow traffic exit the town faster….. this in turn would allow the traffic to flow alot more freely during high volume traffic.MY DONEGAL ……WITH JP MCCLOSKEY OF EVOLVE MENSWEAR was last modified: September 28th, 2012 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:evolve menswearJP McCloskeyMY DONEGAL
GARDAÍ and the ESB have issued a joint statement over the theft of power lines in Co Donegal and in other areas.“ESB Networks are concerned at recent thefts of overhead wires between poles on the live network. Perpetrators are warned that this is a very dangerous activity with potentially fatal consequences and are urged to cease immediately,” said the statement.“Interference with the power network creates a risk for the public and causes inconvenience to customers by interrupting their electricity supply. The public have an important part to play in helping us put a stop to this type of theft. “It is vital that if you see any suspicious people or vehicles anywhere near power lines that you contact An Garda Síochána/ESB Networks as a matter of urgency,” added the statement. ESB AND GARDAÍ ISSUE WARNING OVER CABLE THEFTS was last modified: December 2nd, 2013 by John2Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
The Government is planning to house more than 750 asylum seekers in the North-West region including Donegal, Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim and Monaghan in the coming years.There are plans to house nearly 5,500 asylum seekers in new direct provision centres across the State at a cost of more than €320 million over the coming years.The Irish Times reports that contracts for direction provision centres in Donegal and the rest of the North-West is valued at €46 million and would last for between two and four years. Tender documents show the Department of Justice is seeking providers to operate centres in eight regions covering the 26 counties.Aidan O’Driscoll, the department’s secretary general, has said a programme of engagement will be carried out with communities as the locations of the centres are finalised.It is understood that the department will begin analysing the bids for the contracts in the coming weeks.The department has been under pressure to find accommodation for asylum seekers following 3,762 applications in the first nine months of this year, the highest level since 2008. There was a 20 per cent increase in demand for direct provision accommodation last year and this is expected to rise further this year.A direct provision centre at a hotel in Moville has still not opened after it was the subject of an arson attack before it was due to open.A Garda investigation into the attack is still ongoing.Plans to place 750 asylum seekers in Donegal and North-West as part of €46M contract was last modified: November 25th, 2019 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:asylum seekersDirect Provisiondonegalmovilleplan