'Unprecedented': Two TDs will oppose first stage of fox hunt bill 

The bill is being opposed by Danny Healy-Rae and Michael Collins, who said if hunting foxes was banned, the next thing is there would be people seeking to protect rats or mice

People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger said the two TDs' move to oppose her fox hunt ban bill before its second stage amounted to 'stifling of the freedom of debate and freedom of speech'. Picture: Gráinne Ní Aodha/PA

A bill to ban fox hunting has been opposed at the first stage by two rural independent TDs in a move that has been labelled "unprecedented".

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger introduced her bill calling on TDs to move to ban "one of Ireland's most inhumane activities".