Michael D. Higgins has seen his popularity soar in recent years being elected as President of Ireland on two occasions, it wasn’t always the case as Cian O Broin outlines.

In 1997, a congregation of Clare gunmen set their targets on the then Minister for Arts and Culture, Michael D. Higgins. The proposal from the Minister outlined a management plan for the Burren region whereby recreational sport shooting would no longer be permitted due to the IUCN World Conservation Union criteria for national parks.

The gunmen of Clare, in the legal sense, quickly accused Minister Higgins of denying what they had deemed to be a traditional right of theirs. The challenge to the Minister was launched by the National Association of Regional Game Councils, a body representing over 22,000 members within Ireland and a total of 1,100 Clare gunmen.

A meeting in Ennis was held in January of 1997 to address the issue, with a collection of public representatives as well as members of Clare gun clubs hoping to stop Minister Michael D. Higgins in his tracks.

NARGC director Des Crofton criticised the Irish government for accepting fees for firearms certificates and hunting fees whilst simultaneously banning the right of hunters to practice their craft. Mr. Crofton also outlined that there were no species listed on the endangered lists in any of the national parks within the state.

Following the meeting at the Auburn Lodge in Ennis, some 1,100 Clare gunmen warned public representatives of the repercussions if the hunting ban in the Burren wasn’t lifted immediately.

Seats at the next election were threatened by Des Crofton in a bid to scare public representatives and demonstrate the power held by the densely populated gun clubs and enthusiasts within the county.

Clare TD Tony Killeen was in support of the Clare gunmen admonishing that it was people like them that paid for public lands through taxes.

The meeting was adjourned following the unanimous acceptance that gross negligence and incompetency was shown by Minister Higgins in understanding the rights of hunters and the application of taxpayer’s contribution to the government.

Related News

electoral chair debate 21-11-24 panel 1
The Electoral Chair Election Debate part one
hilary tonge ambulance 2
Hilary prioritising health in Dáil election bid
Crescent Christmas pic
Celebrate Christmas at the Crescent
michael leahy 2
Trump inspired Corofin's Leahy to have 'a final stab' in politics
Latest News
Aislinn Keogh Vanessa Kirwan Ciara Armstrong Lynch Sinead Armstrong Lynch Claire Curtin
Ennis Musical Society launch plans for The Witches of Eastwick
Crescent Christmas pic
Celebrate Christmas at the Crescent
8
Ferns Wellness customer loyalty programmes
michael leahy 2
Trump inspired Corofin's Leahy to have 'a final stab' in politics
truagh:clonlara v gailltir 16-11-24 áine o'loughlin 1
Áine 'so proud' of Truagh/Clonlara's maiden Munster success
Premium
ennis library opening 15-11-24 joe cooney pat breen mary howard tom nolan madeline taylor quinn 1
Taoiseach welcomes 'healthy competition' as disappointment voiced by Cooney & Nolan
clare v limerick oscar traynor 07-11-24 shane cusack 1
Clare's Oscar Traynor side need a win in Askeaton
laurel lodge 07-11-23 3
59 year old Ennis homeless man who hasn't washed in six months fails to secure bail
wolfe tones v kilrush shamrocks 13-10-24 craig riordan 1
Wolfe Tones through to another final
ann norton pat dowling carmel kirby michael d higgins ennis tt 28-05-22 93
Interim Chief Executive of Council to be appointed next month

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top