Gormley signs stag hunt licence

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley has been praised by Fine Gael for signing the annual licence to allow the country’s only stag hunt operate throughout the winter.

Meath east Deputy Shane McEntee said the Ward Union Hunt had been waiting for the decision to be granted in time to prepare for the season. However, the timing of the licence will be uncomfortable for the Mr Gormley as he faces party members at a policy conference tomorrow.

The Party, and Mr Gormley, want stag hunting banned and individual members have indicated they would vote down the new Programme for Government if it this is not dealt with.

However, a spokesman for the minister said Mr Gormley had no option regarding the timing of the licence.

He said the law stipulated the licence had to be in place in time for the winter hunting season and Mr Gormley had choice but to grant it.