Contentious Wildlife Bill scrapes through Dáil vote

A NIGHT of high drama in the Dáil saw the Government scramble to victory but lose three of its supporters over a Green Party animal welfare law.

Tipperary South’s Mattie McGrath voted against the Government on the Wildlife Bill, which bans stag hunting, forcing his expulsion from the parliamentary party. Two independents also switched sides to set up showdown talks with Government whip John Curran.

Another Fianna Fáil TD, Christy O’Sullivan, disappeared for the first stage of the vote and although he turned up for the crucial ballot Mr Curran has demanded an explanation.