Gormley gives go-ahead for hare coursing licences

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley last night made a major compromise on Green Party policy by giving the green light for the capture and tagging of hares.

Announcing that licences would be issued to the Irish Coursing Club, Mr Gormley warned, however, clubs would be strictly monitored to ensure compliance with the licence conditions.

Earlier this week, the Irish Examiner learned Mr Gormley was poised to refuse a licence for the Ward Union Hunt, thereby banning stag hunting in Ireland. It was believed such a move would soften the blow for party members and animal rights activists when the department granted licences for hare coursing.