Rural farmers fear for safety and want guns

Eight out of ten Irish farmers say they should have the right to own a gun to protect themselves and their property.

An Irish Examiner/ICMSA survey reveals the level of fear that exists in large parts of rural Ireland, with 81% of farmers polled in favour of gun ownership to combat rising crime levels.

The ICMSA said the findings were not surprising given that criminals were now targeting rural families and the scale of recent garda station closures.

The survey found support for gun ownership was higher amongst male farmers than female farmers. Farmers under 35 showed the least support for the provision. However, support for gun ownership was well over 70% across all age groups and irregardless of sex.

Gun ownership and the right to use it for self-defence has long been a contentious issue in rural Ireland.

It first hit the headlines in 2004 after traveller John ‘Frog’ Ward was shot dead by Mayo farmer Padraig Nally, for trespassing on his property. The farmers stated that he had acted in self-defence at all times.

Following a trial in 2005, Mr Nally was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter. It was the first murder trial to be held in Mayo in nearly a century.

A retrial took place took place in December 2006, where Mr Nally was acquitted of manslaughter. In total, he served 11 months in prison.

During the trial, the Mayo farmer became something of a pin-up for rural homeowners and farmers arguing they should have the right to protect themselves using force, if necessary.

The issue also came back into focus earlier this year focus again this year following the decision by the Government to close 100 rural Garda stations across the country.

Of the regions surveyed for the study, Athenry in Galway expressed the most support for the measure at 98%.

Skibbereen in Cork expressed the least support for the provision, with 69% stating they either agreed strongly or agreed with the measure.

Amongst farmers who vote Sinn Féin, gun ownership received 100% support. This was followed by those who are undecided (87%), independent (85%), Fianna Fáil (83%) and Fine Gael (71%).

John Comber, ICMSA president said it was understandable that farmers feel they have the right to protect themselves.

More on the Irish Examiner/ICMSA survey can be found online here.