Noel Meade has branded the passing of the bill "a total disgrace"
PICTURE: Caroline NorrisMeade hits out at stag hunting ban
NOEL MEADE has described the decision to ban stag hunting in Ireland as a "total disgrace" and said the level of anger among the rural community is running high following Tuesday's vote in the Dail in favour of the Wildlife (Amendment)Bill 2010.
"It's an amazing situation to think that five or six people can turn the government on top and is a poor lookout on democracy. This decision is a total disgrace," said the former Irish champion jumps trainer.
"I think Fianna Fail are going to be very sorry about this as they don't realise the feeling around the country among people in gun clubs, coursing clubs, greyhound people and hunting people. I think they have made a big mistake as you can't mess around with country people like that."
The bill, brought forward by GreenParty leader John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, was passed by 75 votes to 72 on Tuesday night which puts the Ward Union Hunt inCounty Meath under threat.
"I know a lot of people involved with the Ward Union and I spent lots of time hunting with them down the years," added Meade.
"People who voted Fianna Fail into power didn't vote for the Green Party and I'd say after this for many people when they come to vote again it will be a different story after this disgraceful decision. It is very disappointing for a lot of people."
The Ward Union maintains a 150-strong herd of native Irish red deer at its reservation in Dunshaughlin and has over 200 members including riders Paul Carberry and Nina Carberry, Robbie Power and Barry and Ross Geraghty.
The Ward Union founded Fairyhouse racecourse and manager Caroline Gray said: "The original racing run here going back was the Ward Union Races and one of the big races back in the late 1880s was the Ward Union Hunt Cup. There is a lot of crossover between Fairyhouse and Ward Union and tensions are running a bit high following the vote."
Among the politicians who voted against the bill were Tipperary racehorse owner Michael Lowry along with Kerry-based Jackie Healy-Rae and Joe Behan from Wicklow. Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath also voted against the bill and was consequently expelled from the Fianna Fail party.
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