Michael Healy-Rae calls on anyone 'fit and able' to stand up to crime

Outspoken Kerry politician Michael Healy-Rae has defended homeowners' rights to use "reasonable force" against intruders.

Michael Healy-Rae said rural crime had reached "crisis" levels since the closure of many of the country's Garda stations.

The Independent TD has also criticised the Government's plans to give stations back to local communities for alternative uses.

Earlier this year Michael Healy-Rae came under fire for saying he didn't "feel sorry for criminals who go home in boxes".

Now he says: "I sent an invitation to the people that robbed my house (to say): 'You came into my home when I wasn't there. I'd ask ye to please come back again when I'm at home.'

"Journalists try to say I'm inciting people to something. The thing I'm inciting people to is …people that are fit and able to stand up to crime, because we're sick of it."