Farming special - Day 2: 46% back death penalty for child rape

The death penalty should be introduced for the crime of raping a child, according to a national opinion poll.

The Irish Examiner/ICMSA survey found that 46% of farmers felt the ultimate sanction should be introduced for child rape. The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland said it was encouraging that the problem of sexual violence in Ireland was being taken seriously by all sectors of society.

Men are more in favour of bringing in the death penalty for the offence — with some 48% in favour of the provision as opposed to 39% of women.