Latest news with #Hooley
Edinburgh Reporter
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart by-election candidates hit out at potholes
Voters in Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart will go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new councillor – with candidates concerned about the state of the roads and pavements they will use to get there. The by-election for the ward was called after Labour councillor Val Walker passed away suddenly in April. Polls will open at 7am across the ward, and close at 10pm, and ahead of the vote we contacted the candidates to ask what issues local people were concerned about and how they would tackle them if elected. And almost all raised the issue of potholes and poorly maintained pavements as being on the minds of residents. The council was criticised over 'quick fix' solutions, while one candidate said the state of local pavements was ' a disgrace'. Murray Visentin, the SNP candidate for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election Gary Neill, the Reform UK candidate for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election Catriona Munro, the Scottish Labour candidate for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election Manivannan, the Scottish Greens candidate for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election Mark Hooley, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party candidate for Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart Anti-social behaviour was also a topic that kept coming up, with concerns over. youth violence rising in the wake of the Covid lockdowns. Here are what some of the candidates had to say. Mark Hooley, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party – 'Get the basics right' Scottish Conservative and Unionist party candidate Mark Hooley, who has lived in the ward for five years, said that potholes, roads and anti-social behaviour were big issues. He said: 'In terms of areas [of concern], it would definitely be the roads. I think that's an issue. In general, the state of the roads, sometimes the council just does a quick-fix job, and then it's not done properly. 'Also, I would want to focus on anti-social behaviour. We've had some issues down by the canal, so I would definitely want to focus on rectifying that.' Mr Hooley, who has lived in the city for nine, says his campaign is all about getting the basics of government right. He said: 'My basic philosophy is that government should do less, but do it better. It's not doing the basics as well as it should. 'I don't think it's surprising that when people get disillusioned from government, and then some more extreme options become more attractive to people because they say, 'oh, regular politicians aren't doing what they should do''. Mr Hooley, who works in senior management at a betting firm and is studying an MSc in journalism at Napier, says he cares deeply about where he lives, and wants to help improve the ward by representing it at the council. He also said that he wanted to be a visible presence in the community if elected, and further that he would want to encourage more civic participation in government. Q Manivannan, Scottish Green Party – A more caring, considerate politics Q Manivannan, a PhD student from India who moved to Scotland four years ago, is representing the Scottish Greens at the by-election. They said that housing and traffic, as well as environmental issues, would be big priorities if they were elected. They continued: 'Let's start with housing. Lots of people in the area, especially in Fountainbridge and Tollcross, are paying sky high rents. 'And in Hutchison and Chesser, lots of what used to be council housing is now let out privately. 'Besides that, residents have talked to me constantly about the road safety aspect of it all. I think traffic calming measures are long overdue. 'But way too many councillors are far too timid about reducing traffic and offering positive alternatives like walking, cycling and public transport.' They said that their experience as a queer member of the Tamil community would help them relate deeply to constituents in the ward if they were elected. They continued: 'This election is not just a chance to elect one of the 63 councillors, but it's also a chance for the people in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart to say they don't want the same as usual. 'I think people are yearning for a more caring, considerate politics – one that isn't just driven by remediating the worst things happening in society, but rather looking for new ideas and new kinds of people.' In their life before entering politics, they have spent time working for the UCU trade union, as well as working at the United Nations on disability-inclusive responses to Covid-19. They also convene the Green Party's Palestine solidarity group, and said the party's collective nature drew them towards it. Catriona Munro, Scottish Labour – Continuing a legacy For Labour candidate Catriona Munro, the biggest issues she sees in the ward are the state of the roads and the pavements, as well as road safety and the provision of public services. She said: 'The concerns that people have voiced are a lot of issues around the roads, the state of the roads and the state of the pavements. 'It's a problem for all road users, all sorts – pedestrians, cyclists and cars. We need to get better at making sure that these are dealt with.' She also said that she had gotten to know late councillor Walker 'so well' through their shared engagement in arts in the ward. Their connection started over Ms Munro's efforts to save a dance space she used from closure, which Cllr Walker had taken an interest in. Ms Munro, a solicitor, has lived in Edinburgh for almost 30 years, and recently retired from full-time practice. She said: 'I've always wanted to engage in public service of some sort, and I have stood for election before, but I feel that the time has come for me to give something back to my community. 'I would be honoured to be given the opportunity to do so.' Gary Neill, Reform UK – Action on potholes and social housing Gary Neill, originally from Belfast, is the Reform UK candidate for the by-election. He said that potholes would be a focus of his if he became the ward's councillor, continuing: 'Some of the pavements are a disgrace. The roads are absolutely terrible. 'What are [visitors] thinking of a city like Edinburgh, when the council can't even present decent walkways, decent roads for people to drive on.' He also says that he has heard many complaints about crime and housing. On social housing and homelessness, Mr Neill wants to see stronger action from the council, saying: 'It takes anything between two and four years, if you're lucky, to get social housing. 'And the problem is, one, there's not enough. Two, the normal approach is, block book a hotel, block book a bunch of properties from private landlords, block book Airbnbs. 'What's a permanent solution [to homelessness]? Why not use some of the council land and build a prefab village, or a portacabin village? 'One might think, well, that doesn't sound great. But at least if you are allocated a unit, it's yours – you're not moved every six months because the hotel has run out of contract, you're not moved from A to B because of anti-social behaviour.' He's had a wide-ranging background, spending time in the British Army and as a part-time police officer in his younger years before leaving Northern Ireland in 1984 to continue a career in sales, management and project management. Mr Neill, who moved to Edinburgh in 2023, says that his work experience gives him a 'good background' for becoming a councillor. Murray Visentin, SNP – A well-established local face SNP candidate Murray Visentin says that one of the biggest concerns he's heard of in the ward is issues around the Caledonian Brewery redevelopment, in Shandon. While it's not in the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward, he says many local residents are concerned about the parking impact the development – which has two parking spaces for almost 170 units – will have. He also says he's heard that potholes are an issue, as well as anti-social behaviour. He said: 'One thing that has been, even in my Asda, is anti-social behaviour from youths not long after Covid. 'People were stuck in the house for a long time, and the kids felt like they could run amok like they could run amok in their houses. 'And then you've got what people always talk about, which is potholes.' Having spent most of his life in the ward, Murray Visentin says he has a strong tie to the community he's looking to represent. He believes he can serve his local community best by running for council, saying: 'My belief is that local politics can make a difference with people more than national politics. 'It can come across as a negative thing sometimes, but local politics, regardless of party, becomes, 'what can your councillor do for you?' 'And because I know an awful lot of people in the ward, they'll have this local personal contact, and I thought that's probably the best thing I could possibly do for my local community.' Mr Visentin works as a manager at Chesser Asda, and says this brings him people and management skills that would make him well-suited for the job. He presently works as a manager in the warehouse, where he's ended up due to his possessing a forklift license, but has worked as a manager in every part of the store. All candidates A full list of candidates is as follows: Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent Derrick Emms, Independent Lukasz Furmaniak, Scottish Libertarian Party Mark Hooley, Scottish COnservative and Unionist Party Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party Q Manivannan, Scottish Green Party Kevin Joseph McKay, Scottish Liberal Democrats Catriona Munro, Scottish Labour Party Gary Neill, Reform UK Mark Rowbotham, Independent Murray Visentin, Scottish National Party Steve Cristopher West, Independent Marc Wilkinson, Independent By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Potholes and pavements the big issues in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Voters in Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart will go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new councillor – with candidates concerned about the state of the roads and pavements they will use to get there. The by-election for the ward was called after Labour councillor Val Walker passed away suddenly in April. Polls will open at 7am across the ward, and close at 10pm, and ahead of the vote we contacted the candidates to ask what issues local people were concerned about and how they would tackle them if elected. And almost all raised the issue of potholes and poorly maintained pavements as being on the minds of residents. The council was criticised over 'quick fix' solutions, while one candidate said the state of local pavements was ' a disgrace'. Anti-social behaviour was also a topic that kept coming up, with concerns over. youth violence rising in the wake of the Covid lockdowns. Here are what some of the candidates had to say. Mark Hooley, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party – 'Get the basics right' Scottish Conservative and Unionist party candidate Mark Hooley, who has lived in the ward for five years, said that potholes, roads and anti-social behaviour were big issues. He said: 'In terms of areas [of concern], it would definitely be the roads. I think that's an issue. In general, the state of the roads, sometimes the council just does a quick-fix job, and then it's not done properly. 'Also, I would want to focus on anti-social behaviour. We've had some issues down by the canal, so I would definitely want to focus on rectifying that.' Mr Hooley, who has lived in the city for nine, says his campaign is all about getting the basics of government right. He said: 'My basic philosophy is that government should do less, but do it better. It's not doing the basics as well as it should. 'I don't think it's surprising that when people get disillusioned from government, and then some more extreme options become more attractive to people because they say, 'oh, regular politicians aren't doing what they should do''. Mr Hooley, who works in senior management at a betting firm and is studying an MSc in journalism at Napier, says he cares deeply about where he lives, and wants to help improve the ward by representing it at the council. He also said that he wanted to be a visible presence in the community if elected, and further that he would want to encourage more civic participation in government. Q Manivannan, Scottish Green Party – A more caring, considerate politics Q Manivannan, a PhD student from India who moved to Scotland four years ago, is representing the Scottish Greens at the by-election. They said that housing and traffic, as well as environmental issues, would be big priorities if they were elected. They continued: 'Let's start with housing. Lots of people in the area, especially in Fountainbridge and Tollcross, are paying sky high rents. 'And in Hutchison and Chesser, lots of what used to be council housing is now let out privately. 'Besides that, residents have talked to me constantly about the road safety aspect of it all. I think traffic calming measures are long overdue. 'But way too many councillors are far too timid about reducing traffic and offering positive alternatives like walking, cycling and public transport.' They said that their experience as a queer member of the Tamil community would help them relate deeply to constituents in the ward if they were elected. They continued: 'This election is not just a chance to elect one of the 63 councillors, but it's also a chance for the people in Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart to say they don't want the same as usual. 'I think people are yearning for a more caring, considerate politics – one that isn't just driven by remediating the worst things happening in society, but rather looking for new ideas and new kinds of people.' In their life before entering politics, they have spent time working for the UCU trade union, as well as working at the United Nations on disability-inclusive responses to Covid-19. They also convene the Green Party's Palestine solidarity group, and said the party's collective nature drew them towards it. Catriona Munro, Scottish Labour – Continuing a legacy For Labour candidate Catriona Munro, the biggest issues she sees in the ward are the state of the roads and the pavements, as well as road safety and the provision of public services. She said: 'The concerns that people have voiced are a lot of issues around the roads, the state of the roads and the state of the pavements. 'It's a problem for all road users, all sorts – pedestrians, cyclists and cars. We need to get better at making sure that these are dealt with.' She also said that she had gotten to know late councillor Walker 'so well' through their shared engagement in arts in the ward. Their connection started over Ms Munro's efforts to save a dance space she used from closure, which Cllr Walker had taken an interest in. Ms Munro, a solicitor, has lived in Edinburgh for almost 30 years, and recently retired from full-time practice. She said: 'I've always wanted to engage in public service of some sort, and I have stood for election before, but I feel that the time has come for me to give something back to my community. 'I would be honoured to be given the opportunity to do so.' Gary Neill, Reform UK – Action on potholes and social housing Gary Neill, originally from Belfast, is the Reform UK candidate for the by-election. He said that potholes would be a focus of his if he became the ward's councillor, continuing: 'Some of the pavements are a disgrace. The roads are absolutely terrible. 'What are [visitors] thinking of a city like Edinburgh, when the council can't even present decent walkways, decent roads for people to drive on.' He also says that he has heard many complaints about crime and housing. On social housing and homelessness, Mr Neill wants to see stronger action from the council, saying: 'It takes anything between two and four years, if you're lucky, to get social housing. 'And the problem is, one, there's not enough. Two, the normal approach is, block book a hotel, block book a bunch of properties from private landlords, block book Airbnbs. 'What's a permanent solution [to homelessness]? Why not use some of the council land and build a prefab village, or a portacabin village? 'One might think, well, that doesn't sound great. But at least if you are allocated a unit, it's yours – you're not moved every six months because the hotel has run out of contract, you're not moved from A to B because of anti-social behaviour.' He's had a wide-ranging background, spending time in the British Army and as a part-time police officer in his younger years before leaving Northern Ireland in 1984 to continue a career in sales, management and project management. Mr Neill, who moved to Edinburgh in 2023, says that his work experience gives him a 'good background' for becoming a councillor. Murray Visentin, SNP – A well-established local face SNP candidate Murray Visentin says that one of the biggest concerns he's heard of in the ward is issues around the Caledonian Brewery redevelopment, in Shandon. While it's not in the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward, he says many local residents are concerned about the parking impact the development – which has two parking spaces for almost 170 units – will have. He also says he's heard that potholes are an issue, as well as anti-social behaviour. He said: 'One thing that has been, even in my Asda, is anti-social behaviour from youths not long after Covid. 'People were stuck in the house for a long time, and the kids felt like they could run amok like they could run amok in their houses. 'And then you've got what people always talk about, which is potholes.' Having spent most of his life in the ward, Murray Visentin says he has a strong tie to the community he's looking to represent. He believes he can serve his local community best by running for council, saying: 'My belief is that local politics can make a difference with people more than national politics. 'It can come across as a negative thing sometimes, but local politics, regardless of party, becomes, 'what can your councillor do for you?' 'And because I know an awful lot of people in the ward, they'll have this local personal contact, and I thought that's probably the best thing I could possibly do for my local community.' Mr Visentin works as a manager at Chesser Asda, and says this brings him people and management skills that would make him well-suited for the job. He presently works as a manager in the warehouse, where he's ended up due to his possessing a forklift license, but has worked as a manager in every part of the store. All candidates A full list of candidates is as follows: Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent Derrick Emms, Independent Lukasz Furmaniak, Scottish Libertarian Party Mark Hooley, Scottish COnservative and Unionist Party Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party Q Manivannan, Scottish Green Party Kevin Joseph McKay, Scottish Liberal Democrats Catriona Munro, Scottish Labour Party Gary Neill, Reform UK Mark Rowbotham, Independent Murray Visentin, Scottish National Party Steve Cristopher West, Independent Marc Wilkinson, Independent
Dublin Live
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Thousands of fans to head to Dun Laoghaire for Ukulele Hooley 2025
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Dun Laoghaire will be abuzz this with thousands of enthusiasts from Ireland and beyond gathering for the renowned Ukulele Hooley. Now in its 14th year, the event boasts an impressive line-up of international and local ukulele talent, taking place from Saturday, August 23 to Sunday, August 24. As Europe's longest-running ukulele festival, the Hooley promises a financial boost for the charming south Dublin seaside town, offering a fun-filled weekend of entertainment for fans. The highlight of the two-day celebration is the free concert in the People's Park, Dun Laoghaire, on Sunday, August 24, which draws in thousands of enthusiasts. The 2025 Hooley, supported by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, will feature an array of fan-favourite attractions, including: Workshops, with a special session for kids The UKE Factor competition Saturday Afternoon Stage at Eblana Cabana Flash Mob The Bus Busk Open Mic The Big Concert and Jam in the People's Park This year's Hooley will showcase ukulele performers from the USA, Poland, Italy, the UK, and a wealth of homegrown talent. Organiser Niall Carty said: "I can promise a bigger and better festival this year. It's a very unique music event that bring people together through the sheer joy that the ukulele brings. "We want everyone to be a part of this extraordinary experience. This is a free, family focussed, fun event that has grown into an internationally recognised celebration of the humble ukulele which is now one of the most popular instruments in Ireland." Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr Jim Gildea, added: "We are delighted to welcome the return of Ukulele Hooley to Dún Laoghaire this August. Now in its 14th year, the festival has become a vibrant celebration of music, community, and creativity that draws visitors from all over the world. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to support this joyful and inclusive event, which brings such positive energy and international attention to our beautiful town." Further information on the festival can be found at Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘I want him to have an amazing full life': South Coast program supporting adults with disabilities
For people with disabilities, schools are often the biggest support system outside of the family. But what happens when someone ages out of school? As Boston 25 News highlights the 50th anniversary of the law creating modern special education, we're taking you to a program for adults on the South Coast, ensuring they are living meaningful lives. 'For our folks, this is their circle,' said Catherine Cooper, Executive Director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC). SMEC administers a program known as 'SAIL' or Supporting Adults for Inclusive Living. Boston 25 News recently visited SAIL during a music class where we found participants making music while creating community. Located in Dartmouth, SAIL provides 24-hour support for people with disabilities. 'They have members of the community, then they have similar interests, similar skills, similar likes, and we are able to kind of offer things that suit those needs,' said Cooper. ' SAIL, Cooper says, is for students who are eligible for adult services through state contracts, through state funding, we the SAIL program which is funded by contracts with the Department of Developmental Services. She says the goal of the program is to ensure participants have full, independent lives. Adam Howland has down syndrome and is largely non-verbal. Later is in life he was also diagnosed with autism. The 50-year-old has been a big part of this community for decades. Sister, Heather Hooley says it was always important to their family that Adam have his own life, his own identity and that people on the outside world understand that he can. 'He loves to laugh, he loves jokes, he catches on very quickly to a lot of sarcasm,' said Hooley. Hooley says her brother can and does enjoy music and dance, books, and family time. 'He needs to have a good life. We all need to have good life, just some of us need more support,' said Hooley. There is a lot of support at SAIL says program director Sean Mitchell. 'Employment supports, residential supports, like for Adam. And we also have our day program, where we teach a lot of independent living skills and try to make sure that they have meaningful time,' Mitchell said. 'I remember thinking like once he gets to a certain age and there aren't people to take care of him, what's going to happen? And I just assumed I would take him on,' said Hooley. But now Hooley says her brother, Adam has found the support he needs to live on his own and even work. And he's not just living but having a life. 'He's surrounded by people who just really listen to him differently and respect him,' she said. 'I want him to have an amazing full life. He's, he's an amazing guy.' This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Sunday World
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Ulster's ‘Godfather of Punk' joins growing support behind under-fire Kneecap
'Be in no doubt, this is a well financed attack on Kneecap for showing support for Palestine.' Ulster's 'Godfather of Punk' Terri Hooley is backing rap band Kneecap – saying they are being attacked because of their support of Palestine, the Sunday World can reveal. Last Saturday, the veteran DJ and former Good Vibrations boss took time out from life-saving dialysis treatment to voice support for the west Belfast trio, who are facing a backlash over concert rants voicing support for Hamas and Hezbollah and one band member calling for MPs to be killed. Hooley (76) is the latest showbiz personality to join a host of other big-name artists now rooting for the under-siege west Belfast rappers. 'It's clear the band is being targeted by the pro-Israel establishment. But be in no doubt, this backlash is happening simply because of Kneecap's support for Palestine,' Hooley told the Sunday World while on a break from dialysis at a Belfast hospital. 'I want people to stand back and look at this issue from a different perspective. Twenty thousand children have been killed in Gaza and no one is allowed to say anything, because it can be perceived as being anti-Jewish. That's nonsense. Members of Kneecap including Mo Chara and Moglai Bap perform onstage during Coachella. 'I never thought too much about this issue before all this happened. But now more and more people are beginning to realise that what Kneecap is saying is right.' Hooley also says it is obvious that the campaign directed against Kneecap is heavily orchestrated, manufactured and well-financed. He said: 'I mean how many hours was spent finding the film footage now being viewed on every news channel? This is well-financed attack on these lads. 'But it's just a diversionary tactic and a distraction to take us away from what's going on in the real world. Children are being slaughtered in Gaza. 'And Kneecap is being targeted for highlighting this and causing people to think about it.' Terri Hooley. News in 90 seconds - 8th May 2025 He added: 'Anyone who has attended any of my shows will know I've said a lot worse than Kneecap about Tory politicians.' This week Kneecap learned they had been removed from the bill of a number concert venues in England and pressure mounted for their appearance at Glastonbury to be axed. DUP MP Carla Lockhart called on Kneecap to be denied entry to the US and fellow MP Sammy Wilson branded them the 'musical wing of Sinn Féin'. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he did not think 'individuals expressing those views should be receiving government funding', while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said they should be prosecuted. The backlash started when the band put up a banner saying during their gig at the famous Coachella festival in California saying 'F*** Israel'. Counter-terror officers have been assessing the videos of the England gigs and the Metropolitan Police is considering whether to launch a full investigation into the group. DJ Provai from Kneecap. Photo: VALERIE MACON / AFP Kneecap later apologised directly to the families of two British MPs who were murdered, saying the comments were 'taken out of context' and that they opposed violence. They said: 'Let us be unequivocal: We do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. 'We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history. 'To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt.' Belfast music legend Terri Hooley is Northern Ireland's most enduring music man. For decades he ran a record shop in Belfast before branching out in the mid-1970s to lead the non-sectarian punk revolution in the city. But he is also credited with having the vision to recognise talent when he saw it. And he put his money where his mouth was when he signed up Derry band The Undertones to his Good Vibrations record label. Teenage Kicks became a worldwide hit after it received the blessing of cult DJ John Peel, who said the single was so good he played it twice – back to back – on his weekly BBC radio broadcast, The John Peel Show. But last Saturday, Henry Robinson – a founder member of the anti-paramilitary group Families Against Intimidation and Terror – said society should be clear that kneecapping is a cruel crime. The band say that they chose the name because they themselves might have been kneecapped for their behaviour during the Troubles. A former member of the Official IRA who was jailed for shooting a man in the leg during a republican feud, he said he was appalled when he first heard the name Kneecap. 'I wondered why they called themselves 'Kneecap' and why one of the band wears an Irish tricolour balaclava? 'It's not funny. Kneecapping is mutilation of a human being and I went to jail because I did it. It was wrong.' He added: 'Kneecap say its statements on stage were taken out of context. If that's true they should tell us why.'
