McDowell promises to strengthen home-defence legislation

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has said he intends to bring in new laws giving homeowners more rights to use force against trespassers and intruders.

The move follows the acquittal of Mayo farmer Padraig Nally on manslaughter charges yesterday.

Mr Nally shot and killed a Traveller who was trespassing on his land in October 2004.

However, he was found not guilty of manslaughter after arguing that the shooting was in self-defence, even though John Ward was shot in the back while trying to flee the farmer's land.

The case has raised fresh questions about the amount of force people should be allowed to use against trespassers.

Speaking in Co Tipperary today, Mr McDowell said he intended to bring in new legislation to make it clear that homeowners can use "legitimate force" in self defence and are under no obligation to retreat from an intruder.

He also said the legislation would protect people from criminal or civil actions if they decide to confront an intruder.