State Papers: Haughey the hunter agreed to exemption for otters

Charles Haughey agreed to the proposed ban on hunting otters which resulted in licences being suspended in 1990. Photo: Domnick Walsh

Charles Haughey may have enjoyed a reputation as a lover of rural pursuits but there was an exception when it came to otter hunting.

The late taoiseach was known to enjoy countryside activities like hunting and shooting but he readily agreed to a proposal by his Fianna Fáil colleague, Brendan Daly, to prohibit the hunting of otters in 1990.