Naughten’s coffee break (for environment)…
The sheer breadth of responsibilities included in Denis Naughten’s ministerial portfolio is fascinating.
This week’s ‘Naughten in the News’ references included speculation that Denis may be about to introduce a so-called ‘latte levy’ – increasing the price of takeaway coffees.
It seems Minister Naughten is considering putting a levy of up to 15 cent on disposal coffee cups, as part of his ‘war on waste.’ The concept is similar to the famous plastic bag levy of many years ago, which tackled the phenomenon of our countryside being blighted by plastic bags sticking to branches of trees/lodging on top of ditches!
We’re told this week that some two million disposable coffee cups are being sent to landfill sites in Ireland every single day.
Minister Naughten wants to incentivise coffee-crazy customers to bring their own reusable mugs into shops.
The ‘Naughten latte levy’ kite-flying has gone down well with the Green Party, but not with Fianna Fáil. Timmy Dooley, this week’s ‘Spokesperson for attacking the Government while still propping them up’ called the idea a “gimmicky distraction” (ouch!).
Meanwhile, speculation about the move afforded a national platform for Roscommon Tidy Towns Association, with Minister Naughten highlighting that group’s pilot project – the introduction of a ‘Rossie’ reusable cup. (All proceeds from the sale of the cups will go towards helping the work of the Roscommon Town Tidy Town Committee).
So well done to Roscommon Tidy Towns – ahead of the rest of the nation! We’ll keep an eye on this story – meanwhile, time for a coffee!
Mahon to run?
The Fianna Fáil Selection Convention countdown looks set to become even more interesting!
There’s strong speculation as we go to press that a well-known community figure may be about to throw his hat into the ring, joining declared candidates Deputy Eugene Murphy and Cllrs. Michael Connolly, John Keogh and Orla Leyden.
That potential new candidate? Solicitor Sean Mahon of Mahon Sweeney (Roscommon and Elphin) is understood to be strongly considering seeking a nomination.
Mr. Mahon has been a Fianna Fail party activist for many years. Well-known in business, legal, community and political circles, he is currently the President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce.
In the past, Sean Mahon has often been mentioned as a possible Fianna Fáil candidate, but he has never publicly expressed an interest in seeking a nomination. However, that may be about to change, with strong speculation this week that Mr. Mahon is about declare his intention to contest the selection convention.
Bobby’s in town…
Businessman/star of RTE’s Dragon’s Den Bobby Kerr is in Roscommon town this Saturday morning for a Newstalk special on business recovery here.
