Draconian whip system is in need of reform

SIR,

I agree with Deputy Neasa Hourigan’s call for a review of the whip system in Irish politics. It is draconian and anti-democratic and has had the effect of flouting the wishes of the electorate on a multitude of issues.

As an animal protection campaigner I have a particular grievance with the way it has prevented the majority view on hare coursing from being enacted into law.

Twice it has worked in favour of the minority who approve of setting dogs on captive hares.

In 1993, the late Tony Gregory moved a bill to ban hare coursing. Though it commanded cross-party support, with TDs from all parties pledging to vote for it, Fianna Fáil,

Fine Gael, and Labour all used the whip to oppose the bill.

The result was a crushing defeat for a long awaited progressive measure: 104 votes to 16. I was in the public gallery and I saw anti-coursing TDs walk with heads bowed through the little gateway to endorse a practice they abhorred. A sickening spectacle.

In 2016, another bill came before the Dáil seeking a ban on hare coursing, this time proposed by Maureen O’Sullivan TD. Again, TDs of all parties had declared their opposition to the blood sport but, when it came to a vote, the whips were cracked, conscience was laid to one side, and the Dáil voted by 114 to 20 to allow live hare baiting to continue: A lob-sided result and a total distortion of the democratic process.

Another Bill to protect our persecuted native hare will be debated in the coming months and could face a similar trouncing under a system that is as woefully out-dated, and almost as repugnant, as hare coursing, itself.

I can understand why the whip might be required to steer essential economic measures or emergency legislation through the Oireachtas, but the sky wouldn’t fall if TDs were allowed to say no to organised animal cruelty masquerading as sport, Sincerely,

John Fitzgerald

Lower Coyne Street, Callan,

Co. Kilkenny