We will not be intimidated

Donegal Times is aware that a certain individual is contacting local newsagents urging their owners to cease stocking this paper. The ‘gentleman’ in question is upset at our policy of printing the various prices of petrol in the region, and has recruited the backing of his trade organization to put pressure on local retailers. But Donegal Times will not bow to this type of blackmail. This is a small local paper, run on a no-profit basis as a service to our community - neither the editor, or any of its contributors, receive any remuneration. The person orchestrating this campaign should know that the people of Donegal will not stand for this type of intimidation. The loyalty of this paper is to its readers and it will not be swayed from this by any individual trying to dictate its content by the threat of boycotting distribution.

No Smoking in Work Place Donegal Times Back Minister Martin

On behalf of those of us who respect our health and try to go some way towards ensuring we maintain it, Donegal Times urges Minister Michael Martin not to compromise in any way his proposal to ban smoking in the work-place from January 1st 2004. Smokers must not be allowed to continue affecting the well-being of others - if the state of their own bodies is of no importance - then let them kill themselves in isolation - well away from those who detest, and desist from, the filthy habit.
All the crying by the Vintners Organisations describing a doomsday scenario for their members, is nonsense. Many people who will not now go to a pub because of the pall of smoke, with consequent stink from person and clothes, will now start to-revisit these places.
And it’s a myth that cigarettes are hard to give up. Nearly all of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, smoked at one time. It only takes a modicum of determination and self-discipline to kick the habit. And boy, will you feel better - combined with your porridge in the morning, and a bit of exercise, you’ll be a new person in no time. Don’t wait for January - target the 1st of November as the day you give up the weed - then by the time the new year comes, you’ll have lost the craving and be able to smile indulgently at the slavish souls who have to go outside the door to have a few puffs.
So Donegal Times says to the Minister for Health - stand your ground - more power to your elbow.

Donegal Town must Expand Outwards

All Summer, Donegal Town has been bursting at the seams. Any time after 11 a.m., it was impossible to get a parking space anywhere. It is ridiculous for planners to say that development should not take place on the town’s perimeters because such would adversely affect internal business. This town has no other way to expand but outwards. We have here, at present, a good tourist product and the inner town should concentrate on this, developing its strength as a dedicated base looking after visitor needs in the areas of recreation, gifts, hospitality, heritage and natural resources.
The commercial and large retail sector should be positioned on the town periphery, with patrons feeding inward to avail of themed services provided in the centre. We need large scale development on the outskirts of town - and the people must fight for it.