Pro-hunting campaign welcomes Meath County Council support
11th May 2010

The RISE! Rural Ireland Says Enough! Campaign has welcomed last night’s vote by Meath County Council in support of their campaign. 

Councillors voted by 24 votes to 3 to support a motion expressing concern at the Minister for the Environment’s proposal to ban the Ward Union Staghounds. Councillor John V Farrelly (Fine Gael) proposed the motion and it was seconded by Councillor Nick Killian (Fianna Fáil). The motion was supported by Councillors from Fine Gael (11), Fianna Fáil (5), Labour (5) and Independents (3). Only three Councillors, all Fianna Fáil, opposed the motion – Councillors Jimmy Fegan, Shane Cassells and Noel Leonard.

The motion read: 

“Meath County Council notes the increasing level of popular support being expressed for the RISE (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) Campaign and shares the concerns it is highlighting over legislation, in respect of stag hunting, currently being proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, T.D. This Council calls on the Government to listen to the concerns being expressed, involve stakeholders in full consultation and to respond appropriately”.

A spokesman for RISE! said: ‘This is a significant endorsement of our campaign. We expect it to be followed soon by other county councils in the region. It reflects the momentum of popular support building up behind the national campaign to ensure that the Ward Union Hunt continues as it has done for generations. We are particularly pleased to see the strong support across all the main parties, as well as from Independents. There is a clear message in this for John Gormley TD and his Government colleagues.’

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