Ban on stag hunting 'will pass' but doubts over dog breeding bill
MINISTERS are confident of passing the ban on stag hunting today, even with the loss of Independent TDs, but major doubts remain over new dog breeding rules, the Irish Independent has learnt.
Independent TD Michael Lowry last night confirmed he would vote against the Government's stag hunting bill and "will not be deflected from that decision".
"In my political career, I have never witnessed such strong and passionate opposition to a proposed piece of legislation," he said.
The North Tipperary TD has consistently voted with the coalition since the 2007 general election on issues such as welfare cuts, income levies and reductions in public sector pay.
Environment Minister John Gormley will make minor changes to his animal rights' laws in an effort to quell a growing coalition revolt against the Green Party policies.
Mr Lowry claimed fellow Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae will take the same stand as him on the two bills and said they wanted changes to the dog breeding legislation.
He indicated, however, he would continue to vote with the Government on other issues.
"The Taoiseach can continue to rely on my support once Fianna Fail and the Green Party are concentrating on the priorities that need to be addressed at this time of crisis in our nation.
"I recognise the contribution of the Green Party to Government and will be happy to support their policy initiatives regarding climate change, peak oil, wind energy and their constructive approach to economic issues," Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael minister said.
Mr Healy-Rae had previously indicated he would vote for the stag hunting ban.
Several Fianna Fail TDs are also opposed to the stag hunting ban and parts of the dog breeding clampdown, yet are expected to vote with the Government.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday insisted the laws would be passed by the Government -- after some tweaking.
Mr Cowen said he did not want to raise any expectations that there was going to be changes to the legislation.
Mr Gormley will today clarify that the ban on stag hunting with hounds will not affect game shooting of deer, known as deer stalking.
The legislation, the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010, will be debated this evening and voted on by TDs at 7pm.
But there is greater doubt over the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2010, which will be debated this week but voted on next week -- just before the Dail finishes for the summer.
Amendments
The Government is keeping a close eye on backbenchers such as Fianna Fail TD Mattie McGrath to ensure nobody follows the example of Senator Denis O'Donovan and fails to vote for the bill.
"I would be a lot more concerned about the other one (dog breeding) and there has been a lot of background work going on. We're not as confident about it. The stag hunt is only in one area, but the dogs' bill has a wider spread," a coalition source said.
Mr Gormley's officials are working on amendments to meet concerns in three main areas:
- Extending the age of the dog from four to six months where inspections will apply.
- Giving extra time before micro-chipping of dogs is required.
- Making exceptions from aspects of the regulations for dog trainers.
"There is wide scope to vary the detailed application of the Dog Breeding Bill, without impeding its main aim, which is to clamp down on uncontrolled puppy farms," a spokesman for the minister said.
Speaking during a visit to Borris, Co Carlow, where he was heckled and jeered by pro-hunting campaigners, Mr Gormley said he was "confident" that his proposed ban on stag hunting would be passed today.
The minister was confronted by about 40 campaigners who wielded banners with messages including "Keep Green noses out of field sports" and "Please don't ban country life".
Mr Gormley accused campaigners who placed unbroken eggs in his ministerial car of "unacceptable" and "malicious" behaviour.
Many of the protesters were from the Rural Ireland Says Enough group which opposes the ban on stag hunting.
Comment: Sam smyth, page 21
- Fionnan Sheahan, Eoghan MacConnell and Conor Kane
Irish Independent
