Defender of the stag

Dear Sir - I was delighted to learn that Green Party leader and environment minister, John Gormley, has received an award from the Irish Council Against Bloodsports in recognition of his achievement in steering through the ban on carted stag hunting. It is a well deserved award, especially considering the powerful and massively financed campaign of misinformation waged by hunting groups against the legislation. No expense was spared by the high-flying 'Tally-ho brigade’ who hired the best lobbyists to direct their crusade. But even the most gifted wordsmiths can’t defend the indefensible. Goliath was slain and the Green Party leader was the man holding the proverbial sling-shot. Thanks to him, the majestic creature that once graced our punt coin can no longer be forced to run in terror from baying packs of hounds and hunt followers. How apt that the award was presented on 4th October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Like our own 'defender of stags’, Saint Francis believed in extending his kindness and compassion to dumb creatures, though he didn’t have to contend with rebel Fianna Fail backbenchers. They would surely try the patience of a saint! Yours, John Fitzgerald Lower Coyne Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny.