THE parents of a 12 year old boy who bought a "five spot" of cannabis with his Confirmation money have appealed to the people of Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary to combat gangs of drug pushers in the town. The Nationalist and Munster Advertiser reported the parents' warning that "children who received money after their Confirmation in Carrick last week were vulnerable and would be targeted by drug pushers".
The Wicklow People reported that an 18 year old was caught growing cannabis by gardai when the lid on the potted cannabis plant he was carrying blew off.
The Wexford People focused on investigations by gardai into the seizure of cannabis and amphetamines from two rural houses two weeks ago, the biggest haul uncovered in the south east outside Rosslare Harbour. "The Wexford town businessman who was questioned for two days last week as part of an investigation into what gardai believe was a major drugs ring in the area will have to await a decision from the DPP on whether he is to face charges," said the newspaper.
Another Wexford newspaper, the Echo, printed an exclusive front page interview with the businessman, headlined with the words: "I'm innocent."
A black panther was spotted by two British anglers on Callow lake near Frenchpark, Co Roscommon. It's not the first time that the animal has been sighted in the Midlands. "Links have been drawn with a similar panther which escaped from its owner a number of months ago," said the Roscommon Herald. Or maybe it was just the Celtic tiger on its way out west.
The Connaught Telegraph said a £6 million "shopping oasis" would "transform Dunnes Stores in Castle bar into one of the country's leading shopping complexes". Also under way is the building of a six screen cinema complex and a £25 million extension to Mayo General Hospital.
The Mayo News reported that Knock Airport may be "up, up and away" if rumours are true that the Government plans to award it tax designation. The Government has been threatened with a special interest candidate by the Mayo 2000 group, which, according to the Mayo News, wants a response to its demands for changes in IDA policy, Government support for the Western Development Board Action Plan and Objective One status for Connacht/Ulster as well as tax free status for the airport.
OBJECTORS to another Mayo project - the proposed £30 million cement factory in Tooreen - have accepted an offer from the developer of an all expenses paid trip to Germany to view similar projects there, said the Connaught Telegraph. Objectors fear poisonous gases, airborne dust and the pollution of nearby lakes and rivers. The developer, Mr Frank Harrington, extended the invitation through Cllr John Martin Flannery, who wants the project to go ahead.
The Kilkenny People predicted "the most action packed general election in decades" now that 12 people have declared their intention to stand, seven of them based in Carlow. "This may fragment normal Carlow voting patterns and will, almost certainly, weaken sitting Fine Gael TD Mr John Browne's hold on his seat," it said.
Among the candidates are the chief druid of Ireland, Mr Michael J McGrath, an independent who plans to run on the health implications of MMDS TV transmitters. The "most significant" new candidate is Senator Jim Townsend, of Labour, who is backed by the Tanaiste, Mr Spring.
Another to be watched is Mr Michael Quinn, of the National Party, "one man who wants to bring sincerity back to politics", said the newspaper. A former Dublin resident, Mr Quinn has lived in Carlow for two years, having failed in his attempt in Dun Laoghaire in the last general election.
The Roscommon Herald had three upbeat preelection reports: the Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, is expected to announce funding for 16 extra beds for the county hospital, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, has opened a £1.4 million courthouse and the Minister for Education, Ms Breathnach, is to open a national school.
The Midland Tribune had its own trio of preelection stories - the opening of the Forestry Ireland show by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Mr Yates; the announcement by the Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny, of an £865,000 EU grant for the restoration of heritage gardens at Birr, and the announcement by the Minister for Education, Ms Breathnach, that Roscrea Community College had reached the crucial pretender stage after a seven year delay.
"Minister Breathnach said that this decision was being made totally independent of any election considerations. Schools, she remarked, shouldn't be political footballs," said the newspaper without apparent irony.
