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The Fianna Fáil party will today begin picking up the pieces after a bruising leadership challenge which saw Brian Cowen survive as leader, and Michael Martin resign as Foreign Affairs Minister.

The Taoiseach will now consider a replacement for Michael Martin who’s pledged to support the party, and says he will remain loyal to the government in the run in to the election.

But pressure’s mounting now to name a date for the polling day – with Opposition parties describing the Government as “discredited, dysfunctional and now divided”.

Green Ministers will meet with to Brian Cowen later to demand clarity on how long the Government will last for and to push for an actual polling date.

Government Chief Whip John Curran has admitted that it could well be after St. Patrick’s Day before the Government is dissolved:

Cllr Jimmy Harte has raised concerns that almost 60 two-teacher schools across Donegal could face closure or amalgamation in a Departmental review which is currently taking place.

The value-for-money review is being undertaken by the Department of Education and it has the aim of cutting costs.

Many are located close to other schools, raising question marks about whether they can be amalgamated to save money. There are 57 two-teacher schools in Donegal.

Cllr Harte said that there is a need to properly equip the schools which are set to absorb new pupils:

Meanwhile Tánaiste and Minister for Education Mary Coughlan has expressed her strong opposition to the closure of small schools and Garda stations.

She says a Value for Money review is presently taking place relating to small primary schools in the Department of Education and Skills.

The Tanaiste says this process is a normal procedure conducted by all Government Departments regarding areas of significant public expenditure.

The Government has described a proposal from Donegal Senator Brian O’Domhnaill for it to consider a 50% reduction in commercial rates for a 15 month period as unfeasible.

Speaking in the Seanad last night, the general election candidate said while all companies across Ireland have issues, he believes the proximity of the border presents particular problems in Donegal.

He told Junior Minister Mary White that a number of businesses in Donegal are struggling, and in one instance, over 30 jobs are at risk:
 

Responding, Minister White said rates are a matter for local authorities, most of which are striving to minimise the impact of rates on business.

In what will be seen as a reference to the future return of water charges, MInister White said other local revenue may be available in the future, and this will lessen the dependence on commercial rates.

However, she made it clear that any substantial reduction would not be funded by government, and it would be unrealistic to expect councils to absorb such a cut:
 

Inishowen-based playwright Brian Friel has been named Donegal Person of the Year 2010.

The announcement was made last night at a Donegal Association function in Foley’s Bar, Dublin.

The renowned dramatist was officially informed of the honour by committee members of the Donegal Association Dublin, who travelled to his home in Greencastle on Monday.

Brian Friel is widely recognised as one of the greatest contemporary dramatists writing in the English language.

Mayor of Donegal, Cora Harvey, congratulated Mr Friel on his award, saying its well deserved:

A fourth man will appear in court in Mauritius today charged in connection with the murder of Michaela McAreavey.

He’s a security worker at the Legends Hotel resort where the 27-year-old was staying with her husband John.

Three other hotels workers have already appeared in court charged with the killing and they’ll appear in court again later today.

Donegal County Council has been shortlisted for an Irish e-government award for its online coverage of the MacGill Summer school held in Glenties last July.

The public is also being encouraged to go HERE and vote for the council in a number of other categories.

Brian Boyle is the head of Information with Donegal County Council – he says the live web-casting of the MacGill Summer school also showcased the improvements the county’s telecommunications infrastructure:

Councillor Patrick McGowen has today insisted that the Twin Towns bypass must remain the priority road project in Donegal despite Deputy Niall Blaney saying otherwise.

Deputy Blaney says it would be a mistake to prioritise other roads above the Letterkenny to Lifford Road linking to the proposed new N2 – A5 Dublin to Derry Road.

However Councillor McGowen disagrees stating that Ballybofey / Stranorlar is the only real bottle neck in the county.

He says he is confident that the by-pass project will remain the priority:

The Bishop of Derry & Raphoe has condemned recent attacks on Orange Halls in County Tyrone.

Bishop Ken Good says the attacks caused great distress and that if their intention is to damage good community relationships, they will not succeed.

Bishop good says  those responsible are to be outrightly condemned.
 

Donegal County Council has curtailed its programme of water restrictions as supplies continue to return to normal levels.

Last night, and until further notice, water supplies were restricted in the Lifford and Tievebrack areas between 8:00pm until 8:00am.

The council says that whilst these are planned shut downs to conserve water – other areas may be interrupted at anytime to facilitate repairs to mains.