Stag Hunting Vote 'Expected To Be Tight'

A Government bill proposing a ban stag hunting could be facing a tight vote tonight as it faces opposition from Fianna Fail party members and pressure groups.

The bill is being championed by the Environment Minister and Green Party leader, John Gormley, who has sought to appease much of the opposition with slight amendments to the legislation.

However it is believed there will be no amendments that will alter the thrust of the bill, which will see the banning of stag hunting by hounds.

One of the bill's major opponent's, Independent TD Michael Lowry, said he did not believe that under the current financial pressures, ministers should be spending Dáil time debating a stag hunting Bill. MR Lowry said: "The last thing we need is an issue that divides rural and urban Ireland."

He added: "It is my firm intention to vote against the Bill and I 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. It is not just hunters who have come knocking on my door, but also anglers, gun clubs, coursing clubs and farmers concerned about the future of live exports of cattle. In fact, an entire cross section of rural people in Ireland are frustrated and angry that this is an attack on rural country pursuits and farming."

At least two Fianna Fáil TDs have indicated they may not support the Bill tonight, leaving the Government with only a slim and ureliable majority.

Opponents of the measure said they will also try to block a bill due next week regulating dog breeding.

Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae will vote against the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill while there are also doubts about Wicklow TD Joe Behan's support for the bill.

(DW/BMcC)