Latest news with #JoeCunningham
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Trade unionists back reopening of Western Rail Corridor at Belfast conference
Sligo Champion The Western Rail Corridor got the backing of trade unionists on the first day of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' Biennial Conference attended by more than 600 delegates at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. The motion by Castlebar Trades Council was unanimously agreed. Secretary Donna Hyland said: 'I was delighted with the support our motion on the Western Rail Corridor received at conference. This was the first time that ICTU had formally adopted a motion in relation to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor. "After delegates had passed the motion, the General Secretary of SIPTU Joe Cunningham credited Castlebar Trades Council and the speakers from the various unions for one of the most interesting contributions' of the day.' 'The Western Rail Corridor will not only be an amenity for West of Ireland Tourism but it will be a key economic driver of our region. The social, environmental and economic value that the railway will bring will create stability for our region into the future.' 'If we are to meet our climate action targets and to address regional imbalance then we need to reopen the Western Rail Corridor as a vital piece of infrastructure for the people of the west and north-west of Ireland,' she added. Bernie Ní Fhlatharta of the National Union of Journalists, speaking on the motion, said 'this was not an issue about a novelty train but a vital piece of infrastructure that would connect no less than five counties in the West of Ireland.' She added that public transport was a necessary option if the Government expected people to reduce usage of private cars. Castlebar Trades Council speaks as a collective for Trades Unions in Mayo.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Democratic state representative is now formally exploring a run for governor
A Democratic state representative capable of giving passionate speeches from the House floor that go viral, is formally exploring a run for governor. State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Richland, announced Saturday, the day when Democrats hold their state convention, he his forming an exploratory committee on whether to run to be the state's top executive. Johnson, who was elected to state House in 2020, spoke at the convention, where he received a standing ovation. 'For years, I've worked to uplift our communities — not just with words, but with action,' Johnson said in a news release. 'From expanding economic opportunity and improving education to advocating for criminal justice reform and protecting working families, I've stood side by side with South Carolinians through every challenge.' Forming an exploratory committee sets up Johnson to travel the state to see if he has enough support to mount a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in a reliably red state. Johnson is a charismatic speaker and was on a list of potential lieutenant governor running mates in 2022 when former U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham was the Democratic nominee for governor. Johnson previously ruled out a run for governor even after going on a statewide tour last year. But he has since been reconsidering as he received encouragement to run. In March, Johnson gave a floor speech against anti-diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the State House that went viral. That type of energy could help boost out-of-state donations and boost enthusiasm among Democrats in South Carolina who have not won a statewide election since 2006. In this election, President Donald Trump won't be on the ballot and the party that controls the White House generally sees losses during midterm elections. If a Democratic candidate at the top of the ticket energizes the base, it could help those candidates down the ballot possibly flip state House seats, all of which are up for election in 2026. 'South Carolina is at a crossroads,' Johnson said in his release. 'We need leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts people before politics. I believe in a South Carolina where every child, every family, and every community has the opportunity to thrive — and I'm ready to explore how we make that vision a reality.'
