Rural TDs to hold talks with Gormley over wildlife bills
The two animal welfare bills have provoked protests outside political circles and set backbench Fianna Fáil TDs at loggerheads with Mr Gormley’s Green Party.
These TDs also put Taoiseach Brian Cowen on notice they are prepared to vote against the bills if they do not get satisfactory concessions on both measures.
Tonight, the Dáil will vote on the Wildlife Amendment that seeks to ban stag hunting. It has provoked fears of knock-on effects for other pursuits.
And on Friday, the more controversial dog breeding legislation will come before the Dáil.
Mr Gormley said it was “crazy talk” to suggest he was at odds with rural Ireland and said he wanted to discuss it in a rational fashion.
This afternoon, four Munster-based Fianna Fáil backbenchers will meet him to thrash out proposed changes and see if he is willing to tweak the bills to appease rural lobby groups.
They will then bring their issues to a parliamentary party meeting at 5.30pm before the Dáil votes on the measure at 7.30pm.
Government chief whip, John Curran, will meet independent deputies Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy Rae, to talk them around. Mr Lowry has said he is willing to oppose the bills.
A significant change has been made to tonight’s bill, which will clarify the situation regarding deer stalkers and the fact the bill should not affect their hunting.
A number of amendments to the dog breeding bill will be tabled this week, dealing with fees, inspection oversight and the number of litters a bitch can have.
Mr Cowen said his Government would look at ways to ease concerns. And he said it was not a stalking horse for legislation targeted at other rural pursuits.
This afternoon Tipperary North TD, Máire Hoctor, will lead three Fianna Fáil colleagues – Mattie McGrath, Christy O’Sullivan and John McGuinness – to meet Mr Gormley.
She said she was disappointed she had not seen a copy of proposed amendments 24 hours before the vote. Her vote will be decided on the outcome of the meeting and in particular how Mr Gormley intends to accommodate deer stalkers in the wildlife bill and greyhound racing and coursing in the dog breeding bill.
Ms Hoctor said an urban-rural divide had emerged in this debate and was reflected in splits in the parliamentary party. And she said the Taoiseach was aware of hers, and others’, reservations.
“I feel very strongly about this. I have not changed my stance. The Taoiseach is aware of this and has been in negotiations with Mr Gormley on our behalf. But we have not got the answers to our concerns.”
