Countryside Alliance Ireland has emphasised the importance of unity within the Irish hunting community following an increase in animal rights pressure on Government to ban hunting. The current campaign by animal rights activists has led to a poll in the Irish Times asking “should the Government ban foxhunting?” This poll shows how high-profile the hunting issue has become within political and media circles.

Countryside Alliance Ireland Chief Executive, Lyall Plant, commented: “As soon as the Hunting Act was passed in England and Wales it was obvious that the animal rights lobby would bring its campaign to Ireland, and here it is. If we are to secure hunting’s future it is vital that we all campaign together to put hunting’s case. There was no evidence to back the current legislation in Britain and there is none here either; attacks on hunting are based on prejudice against rural life, and have no basis in animal welfare.

“Between Countryside Alliance Ireland and The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) we have a huge base of support to fight hunting’s corner and it is vital that we campaign together now. I have attended several of the HAI’s recent rallies and the mood is determined – together, we will save hunting for future generations.”