HAVE YOUR SAY, HI

Denise
I have two children who have reading problems. The older child attended the reading centre for an hour a week during term time, last year, and that was it! He still was two years behind regarding reading and there was no more support available. I was lucky and heard about tutors who specialised in helping children to read and the fees were affordable. I received support from the private tutors but the reading centre support was very limited. I don't have the skills to teach reading to children with dyslexia.

Liam Quigley
Sunday 7th June 2009What a wonderful sight over 4000 females participating in the Foyle Hospice Annual Female Walk/ Run. The participants gathering at the Everglades, the buzz and excitement as they waited for the off. Away they go en route to the Sports Complex were on arrival the sense of achievement and the elation of the finishers was like a celebration of a wonderful spectactle. The down side of the whole event was the route off the main thoroughfare on to a narrow walkway only suitable for one or two people walking together,our ladies were sometimes herded in groups as the route struggled to cope with thousands of feet, the crossing of roads held up behind tapes, the frustration of the walkers eager to reach their destination. Surely our ladies deserve better, what a spectacle it would have been if they were allowed to walk on the main thoroughfare and what a tourist attraction this would also be instead of being forced to walk on narrow walkways. This walk is growing year by year and our ladies deserve better treatment so why are they forced to endure this indignity as the participate to raise much needed funds for our hospice. Lets find out why they cannot walk through their town on the main thoroughfare and plan now to ensure this happens next year. Well done ladies your efforts are a breath of fresh air and I am sure the Hospice will be forever in your debt for your support

Helen
I heard a little of the discussion about school selection at year 7. The idea that a selection process will allow children to meet their potential and fit their educational needs, assumes that the present education system will fulfill this. It does not as managing the budget supersedes the needs of our children. This means the only children meeting their creative potential will be those whose parents have the necessary funding to do this. Only a handful of those who don't have this backing will achieve their potential the majority of children won't get that opportunity. Most schools do their best but are hampered by lack of badly needed funding

City Fan from the beyond
Is there any way at all (at all) to listen to Derry matches on the internet when it's being broadcast on MW?

Joseph
It's great to hear the local postal workers are not going to handle european election mail. It saves a fortune on the rates in not having to recycling this waffle - as well me having to troop straight from the letter box with it to the blue bin.

Marie McL
I agree with everything that's been said about ridiculous fake tans, flourescent costumes and those stupid wigs. That's not IRISH dancing - and it spoils it for those of us who enjoy the skill of the dancers. A group of girls and boys on the Irish talent show recently were great: lovely, dark red, velvet dresses and hair just tied back for the girls. They looked stunning!!

Siobhan
If a private security firm is now tasked with opening and closing the Gates on the walls of Derry, could someone tell us how much it will cost to tender for and engage that service and how will that be paid for? The costs will, of course, include the charge for staff time to do all the admininistration, the advertising, the cost of the service and the cost - in staff time -of monitoring. I suspect that the budget for such things will mean money being diverted from other areas. It would be interesting to know what budget will be cut to pay for this. And if NO budget is to be cut, does that mean that the City Council would otherwise be operating with a surplus at the end of the financial year?

Martin
I think Jim is right about the city. It's about time the people of this great city - with its great history - took control and put Derry on the map. Let's stop crying about what Belfast or Dublin are getting. I'm backing Jim. Let's do it for ourselves!

Anon
Kelvin Project - I cannot believe the childish behaviour of Londonderry - this has simply been political behind the scenes. I sincerely hope those political parties who showed a lack of support to the Borough of Coleraine get the same support when it comes to election time. Game on if Londonderry want to play silly games! I agree with the comment from James, Coleraine - ban the cable then from touching land in Portrush - wake up Londonderry representatives and realise Northern Ireland is much bigger than just the walled city.

Bernadette Ferguson
As a guide dog owner I can tell you that we are the only people who are not legally obliged to pick up our dogs mess but due to the incredible training that both dogs and owners get we are all diligent about carrying bagsin order to clean up. often we have to ask other members of the public to help us find it but i think it is important to point out that if we who are blind can clean up after our dogs then there is no reason at all why sighted people can't do it!

Prehen resident
shocked, saddened and heart-sore by news of shooting which shattered the beautiful singing of the birds this morning.

eddie
Unbelievable. Once again, this city has been stepped on and, again, we will take it. This city needs to stand up for itself and to fight for -and ensure - that we get the investment that we deserve (and drastically need). It’s another example of Unionist ministers’ abject refusal to allow investment go to the Derry/Strabane area.

Person
Today, I listened to your programme on helping the Third World. Before all you bleeding hearts talk, why dont you look after the children within your own area and stop wasting your time sending money to India/Africa which have been using the West for the past 50-60 years? Have any of you lived out there? I have, for the past 23 years, and if money was sent there forever it will make no difference. The people of the Third World will still have too many children which they cannot feed or care about. A child or its mother mean nothing. They're worth less than a camel or a donkey. I have seen it in Africa and in Asia. A waste of time and money.

Charlie
Martina Anderson does excellent work for the people of this city. How, though, can she talk of getting people back to work, when her colleague Catriona Ruane is sacking 460 workers in the Education sector - and that, barely a year after shafting the teacher assistants!

Diarmaid Elder, Derry
After our city was badly flooded back in 2004, the Government came out with a big announcement, several months later, that it was going to spend £100m upgrading Belfast's sewer projects - to make sure the same thing wouldn't happen THERE!

Gerard
I left Derry 25 years ago. I had no job. If I came back now, nothing would seem to have changed. As for it being a city? The roads leading into it are only fit for a small town. The city centre is a dump: just look at Foyle Street.

Aisling
I'm no advocate of the 11 Plus but, at the minute, I feel that the devil you know is better than the devil you don't - because I don't know what they're going to do.

Kevin Taylor
Well done to that local businessman: he takes the lead and the Council follow. What a sham! Is this strong civic leadership? It is clear to me that spaces WERE available. Shame on Derry City Council. Many more people will die this year, who are not street drinkers. And what shall we do? Wring our hands in fake sympathy? These people deserve better. Thank God there is one man in Derry with a heart.

Eoin
So, they are closing several elderly care homes; people are sleeping in the streets all winter; the NHS are refusing to give life saving drugs, due to cost. Funny then that the Government can find several hundred billions pounds to bail out the greedy banks within weeks but the old, the sick and the destitute can sing for it. DISGRACE!!! What's wrong with this picture?

Derryman
We should all be ashamed. People should not be dying of cold on the streets of Derry. Have we all forgotten where we came from? What is the Church doing? No one sets out to be an alcoholic. People are too busy keeping up with the Joneses to see what's going on. Only look down on someone when you're giving them a hand to pull them up.

Pat
Paul, fantastic show this morning. I'm guilty, as many are, of making judgements on the local drunks / beggars. From now on, I will be much more considerate and donate to local charities more often. I want to say what a role model Jacqui is: forget the filmstars and popstars. (I listen at work on the internet).

Anonymous
Who cares. What a waste of money. We've all had bad knocks in life.

Anonymous
I don't mean to sound cruel but you have to pick yourself up in life. They've got money to drink. Let them use that to get a roof over their heads?

Toni
I don't get a chance to listen to Radio Foyle all day anymore, so only pick up highlights - but I was concerned this morning to hear about the on- street drinking ban. I am not at all clear on the objective of this ban anymore! What exactly will it achieve? Will we end up taking street- drinkers to court or will I eventually get fined for having a glass of wine in my garden? On holidays, I have seen families, young people and old people, out in squares, on streets, having alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks together late into the night and enjoying the atmosphere. We couldn't do that in Derry, because we can't put tables out on the street and can't have any alcohol there. If we want to solve the anti-social behaviour problems, we need to get people out - using the Walls, using Guildhall Square and feeling they own the city. We need to look at our drinking culture as a whole, instead of just concentrating on young people. How would this ban solve the problems? So few have been prosecuted over the years, how can we ever say this ban has worked?

Jerry Mullan
Does the unborn suffer pain. I'm not very religious and the debate over abortion is irrelavant to this, but I believe abortion to be cruel and barbaric simply on the basis that the child in the womb reacts to the threat to its life and sometimes the unborn can be torn apart by forceps. Surely this overrides the right to choose

Youth of Rosemount
I would like to add to the comment there from a follow youth from Rosemount, just to agree that it isn't the young people of Rosemount who're causing the trouble. For the past few weekends, Rosemount has been quiet and there's been no trouble from anyone. The comment about the police and Provos is true, as some people are scared of them both. There was a meeting there recently and the youths at it were very positive about getting things sorted out with between themselves and the residents.We are trying to show that we CAN make a change and we would like it if the residents could see that also.

Siobhan
Awwwww no more Paul in the morning! Suppose it'll be back to work then.

Caller from Derry
I think Derry's new Peace Bridge is a great idea: well done to the brains behind it. It's another step to help unite people. Get rid of all marches for a few years so we can all get on with buidling bridges; maybe after a while, people wont see them as being important. Wouldn't that be great? The police need to be proactive in shutting down the organisations who say they will continue the struggle. Let us hold on to the normality we have had in recent times. We all love it.

Jerry
What we need in Derry is a proper street market that sells quality cheap foods like meat,spices etc. I'm just back from Liverpool and the markets there offer great quality meats at half what we pay here. A permanent market would not mean additional shops - but an alternative shopping experience that would draw additional people to the town.

Mary Casey, Culmore Area Forum
I suggest that we hand over the recycling centres to the local community groups in the Brandywell and Eglinton; they can then set up social enterprises, charge for dumping, and get funding and jobs into their communities.

Dermot
There is nothing sectarian in wanting equality of jobs,education,health etc.The sectarian politics in Northern Ireland have not gone away.They are still enforced by stealth, nods and winks. I hope ALL the citzens of the Northwest benefit from the Kelvin investment. I am proud to be from DERRY CITY and I hope that from Bann Drive to Moyola Walk we can get jobs in the data centres. The project was always centred arround the feasability of DERRY CITY as a telehouse and data centre location. I find it extremely shocking that some Unionist politicans are so out of touch with the feelings of this city's population and the social exclusion they feel; they are content to see millions pumped into Belfast at the expense of everywhere else. The Kelvin issue has touched an extremely raw nerve in this city. We have got to focus now on who's doing what; DETI and Invest NI will have to be seriously monitored for all decisions in relation to this network, as I have no confidence in their decisions. I would like to thank all our politicans for doing a wonderful job and indeed PHILIP O DOHERTY, BRIAN DOHERTY and PADRAIG CANAVAN for their business acumen in highlighting and exposing this issue. Let us now turn our energy to selling this city as the best place to locate a digital hub in Ireland. Best wishes and good luck to all.

Joe, Derry
PROJECT KELVIN: Well done to all those who were involved in reversing the decision on Project Kelvin and they are to be commended for working together in unity to get this result. However, there is still a greater question which remains unanswered. Why did we all have to go through all the crying and bleating of the 2-3 weeks over Project Kelvin in the first place and why did all the politicians, businessmen, the council etc only come together after the original annoucement was made? It is a fact that their counterparts in Coleraine simply saw an opportunity and decided to work together in partnership and to quietly and (obviously) effectivley lobby to get Kelvin housed in Coleraine for the opportunities it would afford to their town and the people they represent. And no one has the right to criticise or make any accusations towards them for simply doing their job, which is all they were doing! If the same representatives in Derry had been on top of their game and had been doing their jobs properly since the very original announcement of Project Kelvin however many months ago beofre it went out to tender and had placed themselves right in the heart of the process this would never have happened! As this case shows...until the deal is done and signed anything and everything can change! What I would like to know now is this....what has been done or more importantly is being done by our representatives - politicians, the council, chamber of commerce, business community, ilex and NWDO to secure any opportunities in terms of bringing public sector jobs that are up for grabs as a result of the Bain report and the RPA (Review of Public Administration)? Are we just going to wait again until there is announcement of jobs going to Newry, Enniskillen...and dare I mention Coleraine!. Fact number two is that all of these places are already working very hard to ensure they secure as big a slice of the public sector pie as possible and many places throuhgout the region have established partnerships to achieve this. Fact number 3.....supposedly the responsibility for this lies with the Economic Development Department within the council, but next to nothing has been achieved so far or more worryingly it appears, yet again, very little is being done on behalf of Derry by any of the before mentioned groups! Why have we not established a taskforce made up of the most senior representatives from the city to pro-actively work together on a united front to secure the City's gets its slice of what is one big juicy pie?!?! We will be left hungry if we do not show the same hunger others are showing!!! Paul, lets take the lessons learned from Kelvin and move on and now focus on ensuring our representatives are doing their job in the first place!!

Eamon
Project Kelvin :Are those offering to finance a challenge to the award of the Kelvin Project to Coleraine prepared to say that they have no personal financial interest in having the project sited in Derry?

Eddie
I have just read the comment from James, Coleraine. Oh my god, what a response. Firstly this money is European money and the reasons to have the site in Derry had been detailed in the original project Kelvin documents. The money was intended to site the telehouse in Derry to regenerate the economy in the specific areas of Derry, Tyrone and Donegal (areas that badly need the investment). It was NEVER intended for Coleraine. If the telehouse comes to Derry, then justice has been done! The west of the Bann has suffered too long in the economic sense and I am proud that we fought for Kelvin instead of throwing in the towel. Your comment blows my mind "What if Coleraine should decide not to allow the cable to touch land in their Borough (Portrush)?" and you dare call Derry politicians small minded! If Kelvin went to Coleraine, like the university many years before, a great injustice would have been propagated against the people of Derry city and the surrounding areas. Are you bitter James that for once justice will prevail? Your rant sounds like a spoilt child who stole a toy and now must, begrudgingly, give it back to its rightful owner! I guess the message is that Derry/Londonderry will fight for its rights and standing and not become the economic backwater that I am sure many east of the Bann would welcome!

Robert,, Co. Derry
PROJECT KELVIN: This is about ALL Ireland, not just Derry. So, quit whingeing Derry! Everyone has got to live. I thought we had left all these sectarian ideas behind.

James, Coleraine
PROJECT KELVIN: What if Coleraine should decide not to allow the cable to touch land in their Borough (Portrush)? The whole Kelvin Project would be scrapped unless someone comes up with an extra £40million to take the cable up the Foyle. If it does not come, we can thank Durkan, McGuinness and Anderson for a decision that affects ALL of Ireland, not just the small-minded politicians in Derry.

Dermot
PROJECT KELVIN: Yes, I agree Eddie. Paul McFadden and the producers have provided an excellent access broadcasting platform for this issue. Well done, Paul and Radio Foyle. On the issue of the Kelvin site - Fort George would provide an excellent location for the data centres.What we need, in fact, is a cross-party approach -leading a delegation to get an international financial sevices centre for this location, with tax free status. Let us lobby Michael Bloomberg, the New York Mayor and finance guru, for some investment here. We dont need apartments and shops on the Ilex site. Let us get our heads together for an international financial services centre. With our lower cost base, it's a winner.

Eddie
If the Kelvin battle is truly over, and the war is won, then this city owes a great deal of gratitude to Paul McFadden for keeping the topic alive. His morning program provided the forum for concerned citizens to voice their anger and unite together in one voice. For once, the city didn't just lay down and let itself be walked over by bureaucrats who never see the "other" side of the Bann!

Mark
I hope those who protested at Raytheon are happy, now that it looks as if the company will be leaving the city. They're deluded if they think this will stop the company doing its business elsewhere. Let's just see if their next targets will be the companies in Belfast who produce missile systems ? I doubt if they would extend their principles to a long trip to Belfast! Many other companies manufacture products that are used in various applications. Where next for our intrepid band of heroes, at a time when people are losing their jobs ? The message it sends out is that Derry is not a place you want to set up your business.

Dermot
PROJECT KELVIN: The most important aspect of the Kelvin saga now is for all our business leaders and politicans to get the DATA CENTRE in Derry city. This is where the real jobs will be located and will have a high impact on our city. Let's make this the No. 1 priority for our city. Let's get a dynamic team together to achieve this. I believe the location in Coleraine is only a point of connection; let's focus on the data centre.

Mickey
RATES: Derry people are always giving the negative side to a story, so, for a change - fair play to Derry City Council for only introducing an increase of £27 per year. At least we're not talking about job cuts!!!

Declan Mc Laughlin
These are hard days for everyone and Derry City Council have had to make some difficult decisions. They should be commended for the striking of the rate: an extra 22p per week is not a lot of an increase, given the financial climate

Joe McDermott
Project Kelvin: That's the way to go, Philip. Our politicians have dropped the ball on this one. Well done, Paul, for keeping this boiling

Eddie
Project Kelvin: I listened to the first part of the Paul McFadden show this morning (I will catch the rest later)and was impressed by the conviction of both the mayor and Philip O'Doherty. With regards to Philip O'Doherty, here is a successful business man prepared to put his money where his mouth is. I, for one, am proud that we have businessmen of this calibre willing to fight for Derry and its economic regeneration. Other "business people" should follow his lead and get behind him, (if not in the financial sense), then if only to lend their name in backing his stance. The Derry business community should take a united stand and fight for justice. As Philip rightly argues, its time to take this matter to court!

Dermot
Project Kelvin: I would like to commend Mr Philip O'Doherty for his gesture in supporting a judical review of the Kelvin project. Actions speak louder than words. Mr O'Doherty, as a Derry man, I thank you sincerely and wish we had more like you.

Frank Waterside
Project Kelvin: I believe the tender document for "Kelvingate" requested the telehouse to be sited in Derry. I understand that DETI officials and the company Hibernia visited the city in Sept '08 stating Derry would be the site. So how on earth has Coleraine ended up as the location?

Eddie
Project Kelvin: I want to thank Paul McFadden for keeping the topic of the Telehouse alive and kicking. Derry has suffered many cases of economic injustice in the past. We are used to it, but we need to fight for what we want and, in this case, need badly. Paul is doing a great job in keeping this matter at the fore of the public mind!

Stanley McKechnie
Why is the 'Playback' facility not available for Friday 23rd Jan, the day that McGuinness was on the McFadden Programme? Perhaps you could have it repaired, so that I might hear, if Martin was actually answering questions, or evading them as he normally does?

David Pemberton
Paul, is it not time we had our own local BBC radio, as from 5pm yesterday we had no news about Derry, anywhere, just another local radio. Radio Foyle should be on all the time.

Lisa
I went to see Eoghan on Sunday - and he was amazing! Eoghan to win. Whooooo!

Noel
Just read an article in the local paper yesterday about the change in the way Sinn Fein see their political strategy in the North West. It appears they have formed a "pact" with their bedfellows the DUP to effectively outvote the majority party (SDLP) in Derry City council chambers. We see this too in Stormont. They NEED to be very careful as people will soon see the true colours of the Sinn Fein power hungry machine! Power at all cost is not a good strategy!

Alison
Re Bernie's query on Ryanair: Ryanir changed my flights in August and I, like Bernie, tried relentlessy and unsuccessfully to get through to them. Eventually I faxed them and approximately two or three weeks later, the refund was paid into my account without any advance notice. My advice to Bernie is to sit tight, don't bother phoning and the refund should appear in her account within a few weeks.

Youth from rosemount
Thanks for taking us on. I was listening to the reaction to my last comment and I just want to let you know that the youths I am speaking for are people who live here. If you ask the people of Rosemount whether it's the youths who live in the Academy Road area who're causing the trouble,the answer is NO. Most of the young people living in this area do not drink, smoke or have sex in people's door ways. It's not right; I wouldn't want it to happen to MY family members. What I am mad about is the fact that people who live here - and DONT cause trouble - are scared to go out because of the police and the Provos. I heard someone asking if I was more scared of the police or the Provos? My answer is both. But why should I be, as I have done nothing and have no reason to be scared of them. Today, I asked if the young people could go to tonight's meeting (Monday)and we were told we could. We are going to ask for things for us to do.

john
Paul, now that Seagate has finally closed, it should be a matter of concern, not just for people in the Limavady area, but for Derry too. Since 1997, people from Derry have also been travelling up and down the road to the plant. Once last October's photo opportunity and the "we will do everything we can to bring jobs" speeches were over, the stark reality is that nothing has come of it. Gregory Campbell was on the news yesterday, telling Invest NI that we need more jobs in the North West. Yes, Gregory - a year too late making that statement. It may seem harsh to say, but the people losing their jobs in the NACCO factory (Craigavon) should be ok; all the investment and jobs stay up near Belfast. Fair play to the politicians - MLAs, or whatever title they like to go under - up there. They have looked after their own patch. The MLAs for Derry should be ashamed to ask for people's votes when they have brought nothing to the town. It seems ironic that coming on the 40th anniversary of "Civil Rights", Derry seems to be back on its knees again.

Youth from Rosemount
The woman from Academy Road, who spoke on your show, doesn't know what she is talking about. I know Rosemount is out of control but the people there don't know what they want. They keep on taking about the police but, when they come out to us, they tell us they're going to get the Provos on to us. They all have different stories. Also, why were none of the teenagers asked to this public meeting to express what they feel? Maybe they could come up with something together.

Bernie
Paul, I was just wondering if any of your listeners have received their refund from Ryan Air for flights booked on the cancelled route to Bristol? I booked flights with Ryan Air from City of Derry to Bristol and payment was taken from my account on 02.Sept.2008. The email I received from Ryan air stated that "a refund will be automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used to pay for the original booking". To date this has not happened.On Monday past I looked on Ryan Air's website for a contact telephone number but all i could locate was a fax number to deal with cancellations or refunds. I faxed this number based in Dublin on Monday, but have as yet received no reply.It took Ryan Air 2 days to take the money out of my account, but they do not seem to be that quick in repaying it!!!Just wondering if you could throw this out to your listeners for any feedback.Regards,Bernie.

Siobhan
We had an adventure today.. the car broke down in the Gransha grounds after we'd picked my daughter up from school. We panicked - as you do. Cars are a mystery, the mobile phone battery was dying, the credit on the other phone was rapidly running out and it rained. We got sorted out.. it was after all a broken down car and nothing worth panicking about. I noticed though that, at probably the busiest time of the day (school throwing out time and, later, work going home time), only two people stopped to see if we were ok. Mr Doherty..who was making good his escape from Oakgrove College and a strange woman....strange in the sense that we didn't know her. It surprised me that in Derry, with our reputation for warmth and kindness, a lot of people drove on past. I would probably have done the same because I don't know anything about cars. But I know now that you can offer all kinds of help. Moral support, the use of a phone, a friendly face. Thank you to Mr Doherty and the woman. Everyone else, don't assume you can't help

Diarmaid
I'm listening to callers talk about the buses being attacked in the Bogside. What shocks me is that people are accepting this kind of disgraceful behaviour. the responses are, "Oh well he should know not to park there and so on," Have things got so bad there's an acceptable level of violence?

StrathfoyleMan
Enagh Lough is a great place to get away from it all, with stunning wildlife and views across the lake. Many anglers also make use of it for the coarse fishing. However it has very poor access to it and the strathfoyle residents would really like a walkway around it, can anyone help???

Tony Davidson
The increase in fuel price is a direct result of our ecological crisis. As stated before, fossil fuels create electricity and these are a finite resource. We need to look to a more sustainable way of life: through using less and providing more from renewable resources. The public are keen to pass the blame to government. It is about time people faced up to their life of excess and began to take responsibility for their everyday actions.

Willie Coyle
Hi Paul, with oil prices the way they are, isn't it about time we had more places in town to tie up our bikes? There is literally nowhere handy except the library! Worth having a chat about it.

taxi driver
Regarding the success of the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Derry: it was great there were no real problems yesterday, but, as far as taxi-drivers are concerned, the celebrations started on Friday and ended on Sunday. The number of drunken yobs in the town was unbelievable and most of those were insulting the flag they give their allegiance to. Nor was it a good weekend for people on the outskirts of the city e.g those living at Gleneagles, who were persecuted by underage drinkers who'd been dropped off by unsuspecting or uncaring parents. The local taxi- firms and residents are left to deal with them at 11 o'clock when they're going home. How they get past their parents is beyond me! (As for the police - they stand 150yds up the road, catching motorists doing 5 miles over the limit). It's time the police and parents started taking steps to stop this behaviour.

Joe
Regarding the interview with Eamon Melaugh: An extraordinary interview, with an extraordinary man. One of Derry's great characters and what a difference he's making. Inspirational.

John
I was just listening back to the programme on which Gary Donnelly and Raymond McCartney were discussing problems within Republicanism. Someone asked the question: "What does Gary Donnelly have to offer to our youth?". Gary was right when he said he didnt have anything to offer, other than advice. But, I say, what about people like myself who saw my uncles, father and other family members being killed, locked up and harassed by the Brits for years - and this is still happening. What does Raymond want people like me to do? Just forget that I have been separated from my father for 12 years, just because he did what every other IRA volunteer did and fought for a united Ireland? Somehow I don't think so; it's easy for Raymond. If only we were all on the money he's on. Our problem is in our communities and in the drugs. Sinn Fein can't sort this problem out!!!

GEORGE
I REMEMBER HEARING OR READING THAT UYLESS GRANT WAS GIVEN THE FREEDOM OF DERRY - BUT NOBODY I'VE MENTIONED THIS TO CAN ELABORATE ON ON IT. CAN ANYONE CONFIRM IF THIS DID INDEED HAPPEN AND IF, SO, UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES? MAYBE IT WAS ANOTHER DERRY SOMEWHERE ELSE???

Peter McCarron
Just got into work so I only caught the start of your show. On the discussion of what to do about the Foyle the one thing we definitely should not do is build on the river. There is absolutely no need to. There is no shortage of land in and around Derry for offices. Look at the two new buildings on the Northland Rd, Fort George and the various derelict sites lying around. I'm sure there is also a lot of under used space in the city. These need to be exhausted before we even consider building on the river, despite what vested interests try and tell us. The proposed river top developments have been compared to development in Manchester and other projects around the world. I briefly checked some details for teh Manchester project and the major difference seems to be that it is based on the river bank rather than on the river itself.Our river is something unique to Derry, why try and hide it under buildings.It is lovely to see boats on the river especially the rowing club out training. The river has an immense history, from Colmcille leaving to the arrival of the Mountjoy to the surrender of the U-boats. It is also a major natural asset bringing wildlife right into the city centre. It is possible to see otters, seals and the occasional porpoise and killer whale in the city centre. There is also a very impressive bird list for the river. Cormorants are common, in summer I regularly see and hear sandwich terns feeding off St Columbs Park. Waders and ducks also use the shoreline. It's all there is if we keep our eyes open.The river provides educational possibilities, recreational facilities, tourism possibilities, it can easily pay its way if itreally has to without being defaced by buildings. Anyway it's just nice to look at which should be enough. If we build on the river where can we possibly create extra river space to compensate?

Siobhan
HiFar be it from me to defend Drew.. but.. I left the town at 9 ish an as everyone says, things were getting lively.But I can't see how the Council can be responsible, I saw buses bringing drunks, I saw pubs and clubs giving access to drunks, I saw young kids who must have gone home to someones house stinking of drink. We can't keep blaming the council for everything..it's making it too easy for everyone else to abdicate responsibility. The Vintners should be made to speak publicly in the same way as the Mayor was and the parents of those kids should have to answer questions from somebody.

Mary Sheerin
Fair play to Derry City Council for a great night.I jogged up Foyle Embankment at 7am this morning and the mess was completely gone. The City Council do a great job!

DANCER
DLA- Last week provided an interesting insight into how people are either entitled to - or abuse - government handouts of our hard-earned money. It's annoying to think that alcoholics can be given this handout to refuel their thirst. I believe a GP's signature is required on DLA applications. Shouldn't the doctor also be asked to attend the final interview between the DLA panel and the the applicant, so as to explain verbally, in detail, the applicant's disability? Shouldn't all DLA cars be small, same model and same make? I know of two DLA recipients whose lifestyles have have some commonality. Both live in sought after areas, both have DLA-assisted 4x4 cars, both spend much of the year abroad, both received medical treatment in private clinics and both have private company pensions. This suggests to me that ALL DLA-applicants and receivers should be means tested.

Observer
Ghostbus tours of Derry, advertise in their leaflet " Come and explore the sights sounds and smells of Derrys darker side" its £32 for four people.Sorry - but I can get a taxi to Shipquay street on Saturday night for £3.50 so I dont think you will do too well there boys.

Gordon
Just heard you mention Che Guevara at the start of the programme ,I was up the town on Saturday and I passed a large group of young people handing out leaflets about the Miami 5 they must have been there for over an hour ,they gave no hassle and were all well mannered .What a refreshing change to have young people involved in doing something positive.

Barney Harkin
CHE GUEVARA: Everybody talks about the Cuban revelation and Che Guevara - but what about the poverty the revolution caused? Many Castro apologists try to justify the poverty in Cuba by saying that you can find the same poverty in many other countries. What these people do NOT say is that those other countries didn't have to suffer a revolution that caused tens of thousands of deaths, millions of refugees and the loss of all liberties - all supposedly to improve the life of ALL citizens. After more than 47 years, people in Cuba are suffering more poverty than ever before - except for Castro and his gang who are the new millionaires. Meanwhile, the 11 million Cubans have to suffer the exploitation of the omnipotent state, rationed food, lack of housing and the indignity of being second class citizens in their own country.

Bernard Jones
Re. Propsals by John Logue for Freight Distribution Centre in Ballykelly's former Shackleton Army Barracks. That guy John is forward thinking alright. Compare him to council officials and planners. They have no ideas, no action. The buildings and streets are flithy, and as for a city it looks more like the small town you would have seen years ago. We only have to see the roads leading into the place - compare them to Cork and Galway and Limerick.

Peter
DERRY EATING PLACES: As a Derry resident I’d say that one of our problems when it comes to the standard of eating-places, is that Derry people do not demand high enough standards. I've travelled quite a bit through the USA, Asia, Australia and many countries of Europe and so, I’ve sampled some of the best - or so they say. Derry DOES offer a good range of eating establishments, from pub grub to the very best a la carte. But, at times, service can be poor and what arrives on your plate does not reflect the description given on the menu. People need to learn to "constructively complain". Too many people complain to others in their company but not to the establishment itself. I've had to make complaints in the past. A good, well-run establishment will accept your complaint willingly; if you find your complaint is NOT received courteously or constructively, then vote with your feet and leave, never to return. If the public doesn’t set the standards we’ve no redress.

Billy McCarron
ALCOHOLISM: In all the debate about alcoholism, it amazes me that no mention has been made of the the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. Years ago, meetings of the PTA would be held for people who wanted to try to solve their drink problems. The Association was also there for those people who wanted to make a total commitment to abstaining from alcohol for life. After a probationary period, a Pioneer Pin was awarded; when this was worn, it was a sign to others not to encourage the wearer to drink. I think there's a spiritual side to be considered when discussing this problem.

Ciaran
DERRY EATING PLACES: Eating out in Derry is average at best. Having lived in Belfast for many years, and visited many major cities in England and in the Republic, I can honestly say that there is very little to starve yourself for in Derry!! Recently, I went to a fairly new restaurant, after hearing great things about this establishment and was really looking forward to an exceptional meal. Imagine my disgust and horror when I was served up a dish that I know was bought in a nearby supermarket but which was passed off as their own. I emailed a complaint to the management but almost 6 weeks later, am still waiting for a response. I agree with food-a-holic: great pub grub, but not much in the way of sophisticated fayre.

Gary
DERRY'S EATING PLACES: In 2005 and 2006, the hospitality sector in the North West was given a variety of awards: best resturant, bar , chef , head waiter , hotel and many more. Unfortunately, these awards have stopped after only two years. Surely this was a way of the trade raising its standards, within its own community. Wouldn't it be great to have the awards restored, even every two years?

Sean
When it comes to helping young people enjoy the country, think of the Scouts

Food-a-holic
DERRY'S EATING PLACES: I think eating out in Derry is a treat! Especially pub grub, no where else do you find such good food at reasonable prices. There is also a great variety of places to go, The Collon Bar, Linen Hall, Dungloe...the list is endless!

john cartwright
NATIONAL IDENTITY: I think this is an issue that needs addressed. It is disgraceful that Northern Ireland as a country has no national identity whatsoever without links to either the Republic or Great Britain. We are one of the only countries, if not the only country, to share a national anthem and one of the only countries in the world where patriotism is considered sectarian and that is crazy. I am Northern Irish, not Republic of Irish nor British. Do the Scots or Welsh say they are British? No, they say they are Welsh or Scottish. It is high time that people in this country, because believe it or not that's what it is, join together and forge an identity, based on all our respective cultures.

On a Wing and A Prayer
CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT: The development of the City of Derry airport is being restricted at every turn from planning, objections to investment, air route development etc etc etc. Why shouldn't the North West be given the chance to benefit from the economic impact of an airport with good route connections? If the argument is that Aldergrove is only an hour and a quarter up the road, then why have Belfast City Airport as well? Surely Aldergrove would be better as the “international” airport it claims to be. In the interests of proper regional development, it’s time to let City of Derry fly and stop this continual blocking of its development.

Caledonian Candystripe
NATIONAL IDENTITY: I'm very proud of my Irish roots from both sides of the border. I like to see Ireland & Northern Ireland win whenever they take part in sporting events. I've always found that the Irish people, especially Derry folk are extremely friendly and are great ambassadors for those visiting their wee country. See ye's soon, Hi.

Criag McClay
NATIONAL IDENTITY: The historically correct name for the country is Ulster - not to be confused with the later Elizabethan province or 'Northern Ireland' - from the Government of Ireland Act 1920. There are two peoples and two nations on the island. It is time that our common heritage and shared identity in this small place became known and replaced the 'them and us' mentaility. This will require nationalsists to leave the monoculturalist, Gaelic, catholic late 19th century timewarp in which they live. They have to honestly accept that the Ulster British exist. Then we can build a new Ulster, with it's own flag and anthem, - an Ulster at ease with itself where you can be Ulster-Irish or Ulster-British with mutual acceptance of culture and identity in a stable and tolerant future.

Brian Small
I genuinely think it's great that mutual respect is being shown at Stormont and our politicians are working now for a common cause. Why, then, is there no strategy in place to end the institutionalised segregation of our children into single religion schools at 4 years old ? Are we serious about moving on ?

anthonymccool
NATIONAL IDENTITY: Then lets have a new anthem which everyone can accept. Also do away with all these Unionist symbols, or add to Nationalist ones. Fair is fair.

Ferryman
DERRY TO BELFAST ROAD: I come over from Scotland to the North West and love the tranquil drive over the Glenshane Pass. Maybe parts of this road could do with a bit of an upgrade but to spoil it by introducing motorway madness would be spoling one of the nicest drives in Europe.

The District Conveyor
MOTORWAY: As I work in Belfast, I don't think a motorway from Derry to Belfast would be much good, without another one alongside it going back again. Within weeks, Belfast would be gridlocked and the people of Derry would have to spend a fortune on replacing their cars.No. Install moving walkways the whole way, with up to 10 lanes of them, each moving faster than the one inside it. The outer "lane" could be travelling at anything up to 70mph, no problem.

'Rail' ist
DERRY TO BELFAST ROAD: Why don't we make ourselves the envy of the world and build a high speed 'chute' with 6-8 seater pods? We could integrate it with the all-new water infrastructure which, it seems, we'll have to fork out for anyway. Over time, we could build a whole network of chutes. It's so crazy it might just work !

Derry resident
PROGRAMME'S MANIFESTO: The laws regarding litter have to be enforced just as tough as it is with parking. If you drop litter, you get a fine! It's worked with parking as we can see, why not start getting tough on litter? Fine the litter bugs straight away. The word soon gets out in this dirty filthy city of ours. (Sorry but it's true).

rambler
LITTER... we have what could be a very beautiful city and it is so sad to see how a lot of the people just toss their litter where ever they like,are we ever going to wise up and and have some pride in the place we live in.

united irishman
tracksuit wearing young people who have nothing better to do than hang around street corners drinking and intimidating other people

Maeve
MANIFESTO: The analogue signal from Sheriff's Mountain - are they *ever* going to upgrade it to digital so that we can get freeview (which our licence fee is paying for after all!)2012 is too long to wait...