In an act of sheer political opportunism, Fine Gael is fluttering its political eyelashes at Ireland’s animal abuse community.
Political rumblings are being expressed by Fine Gael politicians that the party will hinder attempts to ban stag hunting with hounds, and that the thrust of future Fine Gael animal welfare policy will have hunting at its heart.
It would be a misreading of public opinion on animal welfare for a political party to support legislation that allows for the continuation of hunting with hounds and hare coursing.
The vast majority of Irish people are of the view that society can do without activities in which wildlife is hunted down and killed for entertainment.
This view needs to be translated into legislation. Such work falls upon our national politicians who must take into account the wishes of the people.
For any political party to believe that animal abusers are their ticket to power is delusional thinking.
The ‘right’ to hunt animals for sport is a man-created one. The entire industry of cruelty built up around live hunting creates and sustains the culture of the bully, that might is right. Any political party that subscribes to this dogma will receive its answer in the ballot box.
John Tierney
Campaigns director
Association of Hunt Saboteurs
