Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)

Today a poll was released by Ireland Thinks on the issue of foxhunting. It reaffirms overwhelming opposition to foxhunting across all demographics, regions, ages and gender. Some 72% are opposed. If "don't knows" are removed, 81% of people are opposed to foxhunting. Only 2% of people have ever taken part in it. Given these huge figures, is it not a problem for democracy if three big parties in the Dáil whip their TDs to maintain foxhunting and do not allow the popular will to even be expressed in this Chamber? Is that not an actual problem? I ask the Taoiseach to give a lead by allowing his TDs to have a free vote on this issue. I am making the same call to all political parties. It is the only way we can reflect the popular will to ban this cruel practice.

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