John Whelan
John Whelan has been a journalist, commentator, columnist, political analyst, campaigner, politician and publisher ever since he was 17. Having been Editor of the Leinster Express, Offaly Express and the Leinster Leader he has also contributed extensively on a number of issues to all of the country's flagship titles and programmes including the Irish Press, The Irish Independent, the Star, the Sunday Independent, the Sunday Business Post, The Sunday Times and Prime Time. He is founder of Communicate Ireland a PR, public affairs, event management and media services company.
He is the author of the popular camping blog, Vanhalla - Camper Heaven.
Election Memories: FF meltdown makes way for Stanley in Laois-Offaly in 2011
Have you seen the 1917 World War 1 movie?
Well the 2011 General Election was something similar … for Fianna Fáil. They got slaughtered.
The unprecedented...
John Whelan: The Ten Commandments – the top 10 election issues in Laois-Offaly
In 2016 the big issues on the doors, in the media and the hustings were unemployment, emigration, pay cuts, austerity cutbacks and the most...
Laois-Offaly General Election count confirmed for Portlaoise
The counting of votes for the Laois-Offaly Constituency in General Election 2020 will take place in Portlaoise.
The premises being used for the count is...
Election Diary: Greens move to mend fences as the IFA call candidates to account
Can the momentum in favour of the Greens reach the midlands and get behind their Laois-Offaly candidate, Senator Pippa Hackett?
It’s a big ask in...
Frosty reception for calls to grit icy roads near rural schools
Even as temperatures continue to plummet to as much as minus 6 degrees Celsius Laois councillors have been unable to prevail on the local...
Election Memories: FF leave seat behind them as Sinn Féin make a gain in...
Although joined at the hip since the birth of the nation Laois-Offaly were separated for the first time for general election purposes in 2016.
Previously,...
Weekend Read: Pumphouse problem pauses progress in Laois village
Any future development, housing or investment in a popular Laois village is at a standstill due to a bizarre problem over the status of...
A raft of issues in Laois village need to be tackled
A whole litany of issues which need to be tackled in a Laois village have been well ventilated this week.
The matters concerning Ballaghmore were...
Durrow one-way, no-way Jose, says Ollie
A proposal to introduce a one-way traffic system for the town of Durrow has been greeted with an emphatic thumbs down by the local...
‘There is going to be someone killed’ unless something is done
Paddy Bracken spelled it out in no uncertain terms.
Someone is going to be killed at Turley’s Corner in Mountmellick unless something is done with...
People Before Profit enter the fray in Laois-Offaly with well known community activist
People Before Profit have entered the political fray in Laois-Offaly.
The Party will field a candidate in a general election in this constituency for the...
Laois-Offaly a totally different kettle of fish in 2020
General Election 2020 in Laois-Offaly is a whole new ball game and like no general election ever held before in this constituency.
It is certainly...
Calls to protect access to complementary treatments from new legislation
Calls have been made to protect complementary and alternative medicines and treatments and their practitioners from the possible impact of proposed new legislation.
Proponents of...
Despite climb-down Minister Flanagan still determined to honour RIC
Despite an embarrassing climb-down by the Government last night when they were forced into a humiliating U-turn over their plans to stage an event...
Minister Flanagan sensationally cancels RIC commemoration
In a bid to curb mounting public outrage and outcry Minister Charlie Flanagan has sensationally announced that the planned RIC commemoration event has been...
Sinn Féin lambast Minister Flanagan on RIC event and call for boycott
Sinn Féin forces in Laois have lined up to blast local Minister Charlie Flanagan for his role in organising an official State event to...
Bizarre Laois-Offaly twist in RIC event saga as Taoiseach will not attend
Unless he can master the art of bi-location the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar himself will not be in attendance at the controversial centenary commemorations for...
Fianna Fáil never agreed to RIC event amid mounting tensions says Fleming
Fianna Fáil never agreed to next week’s event to commemorate the RIC insists Laois-Offaly TD, Seán Fleming who says “Fine Gael have gone off...
John Whelan: Local elections 2019 an interesting appetiser for general election 2020 main course
In an age of political flux, 2020 as it approaches, is highly unusual with the degree of certainty it already offers.
The political demon that...
Concerns prevail over Electric Picnic 2020 crowds and controls
Tickets for the Electric Picnic 2020 are completely sold out but lingering doubts and concerns continue to prevail over the increased crowds and safety...
Laois man was renowned and highly regarded in sporting circles
John Fitzpatrick from Meelick who has died in his 86th year was renowned and highly regarded in sporting circles.
John joined the ESB as a...
New lease of life on the cards for Laois waterways
Hot on the heels of the news of investment and development plans for the River Barrow Blueway through Laois and Kildare, similar proposals are...
Support for farmers but claims that Minister thinks ‘milk comes from a bottle’ in...
Farmers protesting over poor prices for their produce from the factories and supermarkets have got more moral support in Laois this week.
A motion before...
Sheep kills ‘no laughing matter’ dog owners warned
With the 2020 lambing season just around the corner, dog owners have been warned to keep their dogs under control.
Graphic and gory accounts of...
A brill Laois market with sole to remain at new location
Pardon the fishy pun, but I just couldn’t resist. ‘Tis the season to be jolly after all.
In more good news the popular Farmer’s Market...
Sympathy for Laois Parish Priest on the death of his mother
Expressions of sympathy and condolences have been extended to a Laois Parish Priest on the death of his mother.
The Parish Priest of Portarlington, Very...
Deep sadness as stylish boutique owner who brought flair, panache and generosity passes away
Monica Muldowney, who has died, was an astute businesswoman whose boutique was one of the original retail outlets in Lyster Square in Portlaoise.
A highly...
Traffic Wardens ‘only doing their job’ meeting told
Laois traffic wardens are merely ‘doing their job’ on behalf of the County Council in accordance with the local traffic bye-laws and in the...
Minister Flanagan furious over St Mary’s sports hall debacle
Minister Charlie Flanagan has reacted angrily and expressed his dismay at the abject failure by Laois County Council to take up a Government grant...
Laois man fondly remembered as a teacher, performer and footballer
The death has taken place of Richard Booth of Killeen, Mountmellick.
Popularly and affectionately known as ‘Blondie’ Richard he was a retired Deputy Principal of...