More pressing issues than stag hunting

Dear sir - I wish to comment on Cllr Jimmy Fegan views on the proposed stag hunting ban and the recent motion passed at a Meath County Council meeting, supported by a vast majority of the elected members in a democratic vote. A public meeting in Kells organised by Rural Ireland Says Enough (RISE!) some time ago was attended by over 200 people, all in support of stag hunting, including myself. At the conclusion of the meeting Cllr Paddy Hill, from Westmeath County Council informed those present that he would personally put down a notice of motion in Westmeath supporting RISE!, and would approach Deputy Johnny Brady to vote against the bill whenever it is put forward. My reason for stating this that there are a number of councillors who on all sides of the political spectrum are for and against, including my own party. However, I believe Cllr Fegan's remarks are just a smokescreen to change the agenda from the real problems facing the people of Ireland. Does he really believe that people on waiting lists for local authority housing, hospital appointments, school entrants, people looking for employment, waiting for weeks for their social welfare to be paid, senior citizens worried about cuts in there pensions and young couples who cannot afford their mortgages, care about stag hunting? I think not. In conclusion, this proposed bill on stag hunting- which may I add is less than two pages in full, perhaps one of the shortest bills in worded history- is there to keep the minority party in government, and come what may the Irish voters come the next election will be voting on bread and butter issues, not trivial matters that don't interest them. Yours, Cllr Tommy Grimes, Kells Town Council.