Nally case - Rule of law must apply to everyone

AN intensely emotional debate has erupted following yesterday’s jailing of a 61-year-old Mayo farmer for six years for the killing of a Traveller at his farm in October last year.

Entwined in this case were such complex issues as the fears of vulnerable people in rural areas who live in dread of being attacked by Travellers, plus the difficult question of what constitutes reasonable force in defence of one’s person and property.

Ireland’s most senior criminal judge Mr Justice Paul Carney said it was the most difficult matter he had dealt with in more than 14 years on the bench.