Anton Savage leaves Today FM after rows with management

Drama as presenter blindsides station with angry statement – and station rushes to confirm his contract is at an end.

Image: Today FM

ANTON SAVAGE HAS announced he is leaving Today FM with immediate effect.

However, shortly after he released a strongly-worded statement on his former show’s Twitter account, Today FM hit back with a press release saying the presenter’s contract was not being renewed.

Savage said he made the decision following a number of disagreements with station management.

He took over the 9am-12pm weekday slot after Ray D’Arcy’s departure.

In his statement he said:

“22 months ago, I set out working with a brilliant bunch of people to create a magazine show we could be proud of between 9 and 12 on Today FM. We were told the objective was to create a great show and retain 65% or more of the previous audience.

“The task of doing that was brilliant. Fun, challenging, collegiate.

“The team on the Anton Savage Show could not have worked harder or been more creative or dedicated, and it was through their hard work that we were awarded our PPI award for magazine show of the year this year…

Over the last year it became clear that my objectives for the show and the new management’s objectives for the show diverged greatly. We disagreed on a move to set music quotas, we disagreed on significant changes to the playlist, we disagreed on topics for discussion, on format, on choice of contributors and we disagreed on the choice of certain guests.

“It led to a situation where we have parted ways.

I am hugely disappointed not to be continuing to work with the fabulous team on the show, I am hugely disappointed not to be continuing to work with the other show teams who could not have been more supportive and helpful, and I am particularly disappointed not to be able to continue the relationship we had developed with the people who wrote to us each week, who told us their problems, their hopes, their funny stories, who texted each day and who listened in homes, offices, cars and trucks around the country. I’d have loved to be allowed to tell them goodbye.

“I wish my team and all the people in the station the best.”

Not renewing his contract

Today FM released a separate statement about 20 minutes after Savage’s tweet.

It reads: “Today FM has announced that it will not be renewing Anton Savage’s contract when it expires later this year. The Anton Savage Show first aired on Today FM in January 2015.

Commenting on the announcement, Keith McCormack, Chief Executive of Today FM, said: “Following a detailed review of the schedule, the station is in the process of refreshing its line-up and focus.

As part of this we have decided that we will not renew Anton’s contract. I would like to thank Anton for his commitment and dedication to the station and I wish him the very best with his career.

“Full details of Today FM’s new schedule will be announced early in 2017.”

A source said the decision was partly related to a drop in JNLR listenership figures – down from 215,000 when D’Arcy left in December 2014 to 174,000 in September this year.

It’s believed the station hopes to revamp the slot to attract younger listeners.

Argos had the best response to a former employee being elected President of Gambia

EARLIER THIS WEEK, Adama Barrow was elected President of Gambia in a surprise win, defeating the country’s incumbent president, Yahya Jammeh, who had led the country for 22 years.

Barrow, who owns a real estate company, lived in London in the early 2000s and following his election, it emerged that he once worked as a security guard in Argos, prompting headlines like this:

Source: Telegraph

Source: The Guardian

Source: Sky

Earlier today, Argos congratulated their former employee on his new position and even took a little credit for helping him get to where he is.

Aldi has just released a 'prosecco tea' in stores across Ireland

EVER BEEN SIPPING a cup of tea and thought to yourself, “I wonder what this would taste like with prosecco in it”?

Well today is your lucky day.

Ahead of Christmas, Aldi has thrown caution to the wind and released prosecco-flavoured tea. ‘Tis the season and all that.

Source: Aldi

Aldi describes the tea as having…

A vibrant festive taste with an invigorating Italian prosecco profile.

Invigorating, you say? We’re intrigued.

Additionally they have released a mulled wine tea, which is described as being “a winter mix of seasonal fruits and spices”.

Source: Aldi

According to Aldi’s website, both teas are currently available in stores around Ireland for €2.49 a pop.

Treat yo’ self.

More frost and fog on way for the weekend

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November temperatures in Dublin dropped between 0C and -5C several times in the latter part of the month (Stock)

Grab those scarves and mittens - it's set to be a foggy and frosty weekend.

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Today will be dry and overcast with fog lingering over northern parts of the country.

There will be sunny patches during the afternoon with temperatures rising to 5C.

Night-time temperatures will not drop as significantly as they did on Thursday night due to east to south-easterly winds.

On Sunday, it will be mostly dry with some sunny spells and the odd shower in the southwest.

The forecast differs greatly to that in the UK, where meteorologists were expecting temperatures to drop below freezing, with cold weather alerts being issued for much of the country.

However, Met Éireann said that Ireland would stay predominantly milder and unaffected by the UK's forecast.

The forecast came after Met Éireann reported that it was the driest autumn in 13 years.

Knock Airport in Mayo recording the driest autumn in its history with just 233.9mm of rainfall.

November temperatures in Dublin dropped between 0C and -5C several times in the latter part of the month, while lowest temperatures ranged between 0C and 5C for the most part in the first half of the month.

In contrast, Co Mayo saw a relatively milder month with lowest temperatures ranging between 5C and 12C and temperatures only dropped below 0C twice.

Irish Independent

How Irish Water will be funded is the burning issue - debate over refunds is just window dressing

Two good things have come out of the water charges debate which has dominated political discourse over the past six years.

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The first is that the public and body politic is now talking about the state of the network, the leakage rates and raw sewage being discharged without treatment, the fact that so many drinking water supplies are at risk of failure and the need to invest.

The second is that we finally have a utility in charge of a national asset, and getting to grips with the challenges that lie ahead.

But the business case for the company is rapidly falling apart. Not only does it now have no clear source of funding over the longer term, it's unclear if it can or will collect the money it's legally owed.

Many of its 'customers' don't want to be customers, and there's been little political appetite displayed over the years for tackling its reason to be - maintaining and upgrading the network.

Whatever about the aspiration, it's hard to see how it can ever function as a standalone utility without State support.

But over the course of the past few days, there has been little said from any party about abolishing Irish Water.

The focus has been on whether those who paid should be refunded, or whether those who refused should be chased for payment.

Heavy-hitters within Fine Gael including Simon Coveney and Leo Varadkar are opposed to refunds, but their partners in Government, the Independent Alliance, appear to favour some sort of rebate.

Fianna Fáil suggests a cost-benefit analysis to ascertain what is in the public interest, while Sinn Féin, Labour, AAA/People Before Profit, the Greens and Social Democrats say people should get their money back.

But this is only window dressing. The biggest issue this Government or the next faces is addressing how the Expert Commission's recommendation that water services be funded from general taxation marries with our obligations under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Aimed at improving water quality and obliging those who pollute to meet the costs of treatment, the WFD is more than 15 years old.

Ireland's compliance is poor. Not only are we the subject of an infringement case for our failure to treat raw sewage, we now face a second legal action over the presence of trihalomethanes (THMs) - a by-product of the treatment process - in drinking water.

While we had a derogation from introducing charges, the European Commission has made it patently clear that it does not believe they can now be scrapped following their introduction in January last year.

"The directive's flexibility does not allow… 'disapplying' water charges once instated," it informed the Expert Commission.

This is because the directive includes a requirement for 'cost recovery' from consumers - in other words, meeting the cost of providing water and wastewater - which allows for the "proper funding" of infrastructure. It also includes the 'polluter pays' principle which incentivises conservation.

While the Expert Commission is of the view that charging people for 'wasteful' use of water covers this off, it's far from clear how the issue of cost recovery as set out in the directive can be overcome.

This is not a case of the EU coming in at the last minute to force policy upon the State. Brussels has been a central player from the outset. Not only have all member states implemented and agreed to higher environmental standards as set out in the WFD, it also decided that Irish Water's borrowings had to remain on the State's books after it failed to meet the so-called Market Corporation Test in July last year.

While this week it said it would "evaluate" the Expert Commission's report, its position is clear. If the Dáil ultimately decides that water charges are gone, it's hard to see how we avoid a trip to the European Court of Justice.

If we win, we're in the clear. If we lose, fines can be imposed and we will have to return to a charging system and the merry-go-round begins all over again.

We have repeatedly heard how if ever there was a lesson in how not to establish a new utility and introduce an unpopular tax it's exemplified by this mess. One academic paper, published in the journal 'Utilities Policy' from sociologist Patrick Bresnihan, makes the point that the public backlash against charges is partly driven by "familiar slogans" which claim water as a human right and oppose the concept of privatisation.

But he says that as a State-owned utility, Irish Water is technically a "public utility". He also suggests that the utility does not emerge as a "well-formed neo-liberal project implemented by canny policymakers with no regard for the public good". He's absolutely correct. There's nothing canny about any of this.

But he adds: "It is an experiment which must be placed within a longer process of failed water service models and emergent financial and environmental demands."

And that is the nub of this matter. The 'old' policy of publicly funded, local authority controlled water services didn't work. The €5.5bn investment bill we all face is testament to that. The trick is somehow coming up with a formula that improves standards at least cost to households and the exchequer.

A Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services will now consider the Expert Commission's report. It's essential that all the facts are laid out for the committee and wider public, including addressing the issue of refunds and non-payment and the long-term costs of financing upgrades.

Read More: Irish Water - Five questions committee must try to answer

One document it will presumably seek is a report prepared by NewEra, an arm of the NTMA which sets out future funding and debt options for Irish Water, and the views of consultants and management on these issues.

Astonishingly, this was not available to the Expert Commission, and it's unlikely to be published any time soon. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has refused to release it, citing the old chestnut of commercial sensitivity. This is despite Irish Water not being a commercial body as it has no competitors, and the fact that the public is entitled to know the long-term implications of scrapping charges.

This is a bad start to this process of finally putting the water issue to bed. In an issue of such national importance, the public is entitled to know the truth. If nothing else, the water fiasco of the last few years shows that a lack of transparency serves no one well.

Irish Independent

Dublin social welfare fraudster caught by facial recognition software

A repeat social welfare fraudster who was caught after his picture was run through facial recognition software by Department of Social Protection investigators has been sentenced to three years in jail with the final two years suspended.

James Maughan (aged 38) was already claiming disability benefit in his own name when he made a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance in a false name.

After his picture was taken for his public services card, suspicious staff ran the image through facial recognition software and discovered his true identity.

He has 11 previous convictions for social welfare fraud from 2013 in almost identical circumstances.

He received a six-month sentence from the District Court on that occasion.

Maughan, of Conyngham Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to inducing another to accept an application for job seekers allowance in a false name and stealing €438 in Jobseeker's Allowance, the property of the Department of Social Protection, in July 2015.

The court heard sentencing had been adjourned earlier this year to allow Maughan attend rehabilitation at Cuan Mhuire. He attended there in August but subsequently left in September.

Judge Melanie Greally issued a bench warrant on that occasion.

He was arrested and remanded in custody since November 1, last.

Maughan's defence counsel, Rebecca Smith BL, told Judge Greally that her client had managed to stay drug-free and was allowed to work while on remand in Cloverhill Prison because of his status.

She said there was a cheque in court, which had been provided by a friend of Maughan's to repay the balance of the money which was owed to the state.

He had to repay that money and a relative in Leeds contacted him to say he had a job for him on his fruit and veg stall when he was released from custody.

Judge Greally noted today that Maughan had since reimbursed the department and made good efforts to rehabilitate himself in custody.

She handed down a three year sentence but suspended the final two years.

At the initial hearing in April Garda Ian Abbey told Martine Baxter BL, prosecuting, that a man claiming to be 'Terence Maughan' attended at Cork Street Intreo (social welfare) office in July 2015 looking to apply for Jobseeker's allowance. He was given a form and an appointment for interview.

The man returned on July 8 for his interview and submitted his application form. He said he did not have photo ID but handed over a birth certificate in the name of 'Terence Maughan'.

The man agreed to have his photo taken for a public services card.

Staff who had suspicions about the man ran the picture of 'Terence' through facial recognition software and discovered a match with a James Maughan, who was already claiming disability benefit.

The investigation established that James Maughan had fraudulently claimed €438 that month using the 'Terence' name, as well as claiming an emergency payment of €100.

Gardaí were alerted that the man claiming to be 'Terence' was due to collect a payment at James Street Post Office on July 23.

After James Maughan claimed the payment he was stopped and asked for his name.

He initially told gardaí his name was Terence and said that they were looking for his brother but after he was arrested he admitted his true name.

Maughan has a total of 55 previous convictions including the 11 social welfare convictions. The majority of the convictions are theft-related.

First transatlantic flights from Cork Airport to US cleared for take-off

Plans to launch the first transatlantic flights from Cork Airport to the US have finally been cleared for take-off after a stalled licence was sanctioned last night, writes Eoin English, Irish Examiner.

It followed a decision by the US authorities to grant a foreign carrier permit to Norwegian Air International (NAI) - the Irish subsidiary of low-fares giant Norwegian, which applied for the licence almost three years ago.

Bitterly opposed by several US and European airlines and labour unions, the application has been one of the longest pending applications of its kind.

They accused the airline of operating a flag of convenience to skirt labour laws.

However, the airline, the Irish authorities and the European Commission insisted that the application complied with the 2007 EU-US Open Skies deal.

The US Department of Transportation issued a tentative decision in April flagging its intention to grant NAI a licence.

However, when a final decision was not forthcoming, the European Commission triggered arbitration, as allowed under the Open Skies deal.

The EC named its arbitrator and lodged formal papers on Wednesday to trigger the process.

But in a surprise move last night, the US Department of Transportation confirmed that it was now issuing its final decision and granting the licence.

It said the case was among the most novel and complex ever understated by the department.

"We have taken the necessary amount of time to review and consider the comments from a wider range of stakeholders.

"Regardless of our appreciation of the public policy arguments raised by opponents, we have been advised that the law and our bilateral obligations leave us no avenue to reject this application.

"Therefore, we have decided to finalise our tentative decision to grant NAI's request for a foreign carrier air permit to enable it to conduct scheduled and charter air transportation of persons, property and mail to the full extent permitted under the EU-US agreement."

It said having considered all the submissions, it found that the "clear weight of legal analysis in this case directs us to uphold the tentative findings and conclusions previously made".

NAI announced plans last year to launch a Cork to Boston service first, followed by a Cork to New York route later.

It also plans to launch low-cost transatlantic flights from Shannon.

Norwegian Air International welcomed the news releasing a press release that said: "We welcome the long overdue news that Norwegian Air International (NAI) has finally been awarded a foreign carrier permit by the US Department of Transportation.

"The decision now made by the US DOT finally paves the way for greater competition, more flights and more jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Above all, it is a victory for millions of passengers who will benefit from more choice and lower fares."

Cork Airport managing director, Niall MacCarthy, welcomed the news and described the proposed service as a game-changer for the airport and wider region.

“These flights will help grow inbound tourism, give Cork Airport’s passengers greater choice, attract more investment to the region and improve social and cultural ties between Ireland and the US. We expect Boston bound flights to take off in coming months with New York flights beginning soon afterwards.

"Securing a transatlantic service for Ireland’s second largest airport has been an aspiration of ours for some time and Norwegian Air’s service will be welcomed by business and leisure travellers throughout the region.”

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, and European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy, also welcomed the news.

Ms Clune said it would be good for investment, tourism and connectivity.

"It is now imperative that we facilitate these flights out of Cork and Shannon as soon as possible," she said.

Lord Mayor Cllr Des Cahill said he looked forward to the Cork Boston route starting next year.

"Huge credit is due to the resilience of the management team at Cork Airport and all at Norwegian who have waited patiently for this day to come," he said.

Speaking in New York, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "On the last occasion in the White House speaking to President Obama we did raise the issue that had been around for a while, in respect of the proposal by Norwegian Air to fly direct to America from Cork and Shannon and to do for long-haul travel what Ryanair have done for short-haul travel in Europe.

"And so here in the Irish consulate in New York, I am pleased to tell you that following that conversation and all of the discussions that have taken place since, approval issues today for Norwegian air."

He added: "Looking to the future we will continue to stand tall and strong."

Conor Healy, the CEO of Cork Chamber, said the announcement warmly was a game changer in terms of tourism and economic development for the wider Cork region.

"It has taken considerable collaborative efforts by Cork airport, elected representatives, the business and tourism communities and local authorities in Cork to realise this milestone and we look forward to seeing the benefits in the time ahead," he said.

"The Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey and Count Mayor , Cllr. Seamus McGrath congratulated the DAA and Cork Airport.

"This is a significant boost to the Cork region in particular from a tourism perspective and offers a potential gamechanger opportunity to all involved in the tourism industry to drive growth in US visitors to Cork," they said.

Cork County Council will continue to work alongside Cork Airport to maximise this unique opportunity.

The Chief Executive and Mayor will lead a small high-powered council visit to Boston, departing Sunday, where they will meet a range of tourism and business organisations.

TDs to vote on State Transitory Pension

TDs will be asked to vote on restoring a weekly payment for people who are too old to work, but too young to claim a pension.

Sinn Féin is to table a Dáil motion calling for the return of the State Transitory Pension.

The payment was previously given to people who were forced to retire at 65, but who could not access the full State pension until they turned 66.

Spokesman John Brady says that in an ideal world, the state pension could be paid as soon as people retire: "Hopefully that will be dealt with, very very soon.

"So absolutely there is a very serious issue there with the mandatory retirement age and we know that in 2021 the retirement age is going to go up again to 67 and 68 again, so we are also calling for that to be pushed back."

Enda Kenny denies making fools of those who paid water bills

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted the Government is not making fools of people who have paid their water charges — despite putting a decision on whether to issue refunds on the long finger writes Elaine Loughlin and Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

As calls were made last night for €978m in extra tax income this year to be used to provide refunds, Mr Kenny said the Government will not make any decision until next March.

Questioned on whether he is making “fools” of people who have paid some or all of their charges to date and that available money will not be used to refund them, Mr Kenny insisted this is not the case.

“I am not,” he said last night in New York.

The comment came as Housing Minister Simon Coveney claimed the Government would be treating those who paid the charges like fools if they were given their money back.

The move is being sought by a number of Fine Gael TDs, the Independent Alliance, Sinn Féin, Labour, the Greens and AAA-PBP, while Fianna Fáil is seeking a cost-benefit analysis of the issue.

However, Mr Coveney said “we should not make a fool of them [payers] by simply ignoring the fact lots of people didn’t pay while they did,” adding the money has already been spent on water infrastructure.

The position was repeated by Fine Gael TD Kate O’Connell who said someone could not drink a “glass of wine” before returning to a shop “the next day and asking for my money back”.

However, responding to Department of Finance confirmation that the 2016 tax take is already €978m above target, Labour housing spokesperson Jan O Sullivan said the money must now be partly used for refunds.

This article first appeared in the Irish Examiner.