Stag hunting ban under threat!

An early election is being held today in Ireland following the turmoil which ensued from the economic crisis. Yet economics surprisingly isn't the sole issue to come alive in this election. Opposition party, Fine Gael in its attempt to consolidate growing popularity off the back of increased hostility to Fianna Fáil (main party in Government) massively misjudged some of their manifesto promises, sparking protest from human rights and animal welfare groups alike.

Fine Gael stated in their manifesto that they will reverse the ban on stag hunting if they become the party of Government. Well known Irish Vet Pete Wedderburn (on RTE TV shows) very publically vindicating the party, rightly saying "It's one specific hunt where what they do is regarded across Europe as being something which is inhumane, cruel and belonging to two centuries ago, never mind last century and it should be stopped."

With public opinion firmly against this cruel sport it wasn't surprising to see Fine Gael drop in the pre-election polls. Whilst a few weeks ago it was expected that Fine Gael would become the sole party in Government, it is now thought they will be coalition partners with the anti-blood sports Irish Labour Party.

If we see this coalition form we could hopefully see Fine Gael's regressive policies shelved as the Irish Labour Party have come out strongly in this election to support the stag hunting ban.