Comment

• 

  Published: 18 Jan 2012 17:00

  Job creation proposals must be welcomed

  News that two major planning applications for retail projects in Athlone are being pursued represents a significant vote of confidence in the region.

• 

  Published: 4 Jan 2012 17:00

  Council should consider a rates reduction

  On Wednesday next, Athlone Town Council will meet to agree an annual budget.

• 

  Published: 14 Dec 2011 17:30

  Time to act on Midlands jobs crisis

  There now needs to be a coherent strategy to encourage job creation in the Midlands.

• 

  Published: 30 Nov 2011 17:00

  St Vincent's must be protected

  Fears over the future of St Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone have shone the spotlight once again on Athlone's health infrastructure.

• 

  Published: 23 Nov 2011 17:00

  VAT move threatens to kill off recovery hopes

  The Government's proposal to increase the top rate of VAT on certain products is a dangerously counter-productive move which could set back consumer spending and ensure Ireland...

• 

  Published: 16 Nov 2011 17:01

  Penrose's resignation is regrettable

  Voters in both Roscommon/South Leitrim and Longford/Westmeath now have independent Dáil deputies

• 

  Published: 9 Nov 2011 17:15

  Stadium deal is interesting development

  The Westmeath Independent reveals this week that a mystery backer has completely wiped out all remaining debts in relation to the construction of the club's stadium in Lissywoollen...

• 

  Published: 2 Nov 2011 17:00

  Presidential election fallout

  Michael D. Higgins has been elected to succeed Mary McAleese as President of Ireland after an election campaign riven by controversy and, in the main, devoid of a meaningful debate...

• Comment

• GUBU lives on in €3.6bn accounting error
• Frontline drama may have impact on presidential race
• Congratulations Garrycastle!
• Editorial
• Kelly family deserves justice
• Farewell Elan, welcome to Alkermes
• Double blow to region's tourist profile
• Minister faces difficult task on prison overcrowding
• Leaving Certificate is a starting point, not an end
• Ward must be given first shot at Olympic dream

• Comment

• Radical exam reform is badly needed
• Let's hope Alkermes becomes as familiar as Elan
• Athlone's cultural shortcomings should be addressed
• Charity alive and well
• Children's rights referendum must be held
• Roscommon protesters are right to fight to retain services
• Naughten must stay to fight for South Roscommon
• Census shows importance of Athlone
• Congratulations to European champion Joe Ward
• Athlone mourns one of its own

For other stories visit our archive pages.

• Opinion

• 

  Published: 22nd June, 2011 05:00pm

  Athlone's westside needs to be protected

  by

  Over recent years, there has been concern that Athlone's traditional westside heartland has been allowed to fall behind.

• 

  Published: 18 May 2011 17:00

  Educational opportunities must be provided to all

  In a speech to a Labour party conference in 1996, Tony Blair famously proclaimed: "Ask me my three main priorities for government, and I tell you: education, education, education...

• 

  Published: 6 Apr 2011 17:00

  Voice of public on bank bailout must be heard

  As the interminable saga of Ireland's broken banking system drones on, it's easy to become desensitised to the staggering figures that, we are told, are necessary &#...

• 

  Published: 30 Mar 2011 17:00

  New Government must prove credentials on bailout

  Whilst it was clear that the people of Ireland wanted a new broom in government, after the catastrophic failures of governance which characterised the last decade of public life...

• 

  Published: 23 Mar 2011 17:00

  Widespread closure of rural schools must be avoided

  Proposals to possibly close or amalgamate rural schools are currently being examined by the Department of Education and Skills.

• 

  Published: 27 Feb 2011 19:30

  Arab uprisings bring home the value of democracy

  The right to vote is a precious entitlement

• 

  Published: 25 Feb 2011 13:30

  Over 100,000 voters to go the polls today

  LIVE UPDATES: The Westmeath Independent will have live updates on this site and on twitter from the Longford/Westmeath and Roscommon/South Leitrim counts tomorrow.