Fine Gael would NOT ban hunting: claim 21 March 2007 A hunting group has claimed that Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, has given a commitment that if his party gets into government, they will not restrict or ban hunting. ICABS is appealing to Mr Kenny to withdraw any such commitment and instead pledge to work towards banning blood sports. A statement issued last week by shooting organisation, NARGC, claims that "Enda Kenny gave a solemn commitment to all the hunting associations, when he met them on April 20th 2005 in the offices of the Irish Coursing Club in Clonmel, that Fine Gael would not in government agree to the introduction of restrictions or bans on hunting." In a letter to the Fine Gael leader, ICABS queried the claim and stated that if it was accurate, it was extremely disappointing to those campaigning against animal cruelty all across Ireland. We also conveyed our sadness at the claim that a meeting took place at the offices of the Irish Coursing Club. We reminded Mr Kenny that he confirmed to us in July 2003 that he is "opposed to the practice of live hare coursing". "Please withdraw any commitment to hunting groups and instead pledge to work towards banning activities involving animal cruelty, activities which a majority of the electorate want outlawed," we appealed to Deputy Kenny. "If you are in any doubt as to the barbarity and suffering involved in these horrendous acts, we invite you to view our shocking blood sports video presentations at www.youtube.com/icabs." ACTION ALERT Please join us in our appeal to Enda Kenny. Contact him today and urge him to withdraw any commitment given to hunting groups and to instead pledge his support for a ban on coursing, foxhunting, hare hunting, mink hunting and carted deer hunting. Sample Letter (Please compose your own personal letter if possible. If you do not have time to do this, please send the short sample letter below. Be assertive, but polite, in all correspondence. Thank you.) Enda Kenny, TD Dail Eireann Leinster House Kildare Street Dublin 2 Tel: 01 618 3105 Fax: 01 618 4502 Email: enda.kenny@finegael.ie Dear Deputy Kenny, I was very disturbed to learn about a claim being made by a hunting group that you have given a commitment that, when in government, Fine Gael would not restrict or ban hunting. Considering the suffering caused to animals by hunting groups, I am incredulous that a modern political party would want to align itself in any way with hunting groups or hesitate to act to bring these shameful activities to an end in our country. Blood sports like fox hunting, carted deer hunting, mink hunting and hare coursing are illegal in our neighbouring countries. I implore you and Fine Gael to give a firm commitment that you will now actively work to outlaw them in Ireland too. For video footage of the cruelty of hunting as well as presentations showing the humane alternatives, I can recommend a visit to the Irish Council Against Blood Sports channel at www.youtube.com/icabs. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your positive reply. Yours sincerely, Name/Location News Menu | Join | Top | Home