Protestors gathered outside Leinster House yesterday; they erected a mock gallows with a hanging effigy positioned near images of politicians. One of these was Education Minister and Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry, Norma Foley, who spoke to Jerry this morning. Other politicians were hectored and abused, pushed and pulled – that was the experience of Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. His assistant, a 20-year-old American woman who is working as an intern, was also pushed and pulled; her phone was stolen. At one stage, politicians, staff and journalists were advised not to leave Leinster House because of the thuggery on the streets. It meant that some people were unable to attend a funeral. Jerry also spoke to Michael Healy-Rae and to Kerry Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly who’s the party spokesperson on justice. Lyn Fenton from Killorglin was meeting politicians as a member of the 221+ CervicalCheck support group.

Astellas Pharma has announced that it is to invest more than €330 million in a new state of the art facility in Tralee. The Japanese multinational already has a facility in Killorglin. Jerry spoke to Minister for Education Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Jim Finucane, Deputy Pa Daly, and to Colette O’Connor of Tralee Chamber Alliance.