Coalition loses 3 TDs in battle over stag ban

THE Government has lost three TDs in a bitter battle to force a Green Party wildlife bill through the Dáil before the summer break.

Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath was expelled from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party after he initially voted against the law to outlaw stag hunting.

Two independent TDs who previously supported the Government, Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy Rae, also opposed the Government chief whip John Curran. He had explained the seriousness of their actions and will meet them today about their status.