FG seeks new home defence laws after Nally acquittal

Fine Gael is calling for new laws to allow homeowners protect their property following the acquittal of Padraig Nally on manslaughter charges yesterday.

The 62-year-old Mayo farmer was found not guilty of the charge. He admitted that he had shot and killed a Traveller who was trespassing on his land in October 2004.

He said he was acting in self-defence, even though the fatal shot was fired while the victim, John Ward, was trying to escape.

Fine Gael TD Jim O Keefe says he will not comment on the case itself, but his party believes the law should be “rebalanced in favour of homeowners”.

Earlier this year, Mr O’Keefe drafted his own legislation that would allow people to use force to defend their homes.