What made the AILG feel the need to come out and make this strong show of solidarity?

Yes, well, good morning, John, and thanks for having me.

Look, when we see, I suppose, elected representatives subjected to threats racism, hurtful, harmful remarks, homophobia, we all have a responsibility to call it out, not just AILG, but we all have a responsibility to call it out.

John Moran and Helen Ogboh deserve our full support for what they've endured, as do every councillor who's experienced this kind of abuse or behaviour.

And I think it's important, John, to remember that we're talking about more than just the two individuals in question.

We're talking about the kind of democracy and society really that we want.

These incidents affect not just the two mayors, as I said, but the wider concerns about safety and well-being of everyone serving in public office.

Has it posed a challenge for your party in terms of getting women involved at a local and even a national level, but also those from minority backgrounds?

But for people who live and work and do business in Athlone, it's potentially it's a much bigger deal.

Of course, it is.

It's devastating.

Anyone who's had a flood in their home has some idea of the chaos that ensues when a pipe bursts or there's a problem under the sink or whatever it might be.

But in this case, as I say, we've seen the deluge of water that simply was cascading down through ceilings and staircases in the hotel overnight.

I'd say there's a serious piece of assessment work happening today and over the weekend.

And from there, I suppose the hotel will, I'm sure, issue a statement in relation to their intentions going forward.

And I imagine there is a level of shock and stress and but also a level of experience in the town when it comes to offering support in times like this.

Whereabouts are we in relation to that objective?

Good morning, David.

Yeah, look, we've come a long way.

As you said, we're in October of 2024.

We were faced with the prospect of having this piece of ground, which is close to Athlone, the centre of Athlone, converted into a temporary accommodation centre for potentially 1400 single male seeking asylum in Ireland.

The plan was vague at the time, there were very few details, the department were not being honest with us at the time and so we took the challenge that you've mentioned.

After 13 High Court appearances, ultimately we were successful and the judge quashed the minister's order at the time.

When we talk about its original condition, what was that?