What's the story with Bev?
Reports in some national newspapers that Castlebar's Beverley Cooper Flynn is likely to be deselected by Fianna Fail don't stand up says Tom Kelly's Political File. However, there is a great deal of speculation over her position as the countdown gets underway to next May's General Election. The traumas of 2000 and 2001 have not dampened the spirited Deputy's resolve one bit. In fact the opposite seems to be the case and she would have the full backing of her cumann were she to challenge any attempt to remove her as a candidate.

Rural water overhaul to cost 77m euro
Mayo County Council has sanctioned a 77 million euro masterplan to bring rural water supplies throughout the county up to acceptable standards. A study by a Sligo-based consulting firm revealed that 90 group water schemes in the county had major quality problems and a further 10 had minor problems. There are a total of 126 group schemes in the county. The proposed plan will ensure that every house in the county has a clean, safe water supply.

Gardai defend their performance in policing Castlebar
Garda Supt. Joe Staunton stated that Gardai have never worked harder in combatting the activities of law breakers. Foot patrols and mobile patrols have been increased and all available officers are being deployed on weekend town duty. Manpower is a matter for the Minister. Questions in that area should be addressed to the Minister about what he has allocated to Castlebar and whether figures have been maintained in Mayo over the years in comparison with other parts of the country. Parents also have a role to play and many are obviously neglecting that role to judge by the numbers of very young people roaming the streets at 2 and 3 in the morning. Gardai are involved not only with public order but also with bringing people to special court sittings, checkpoints, the elderly, juvenile liaison, etc.