Fox Hunting vote highlights Urban–Rural divide in Sinn Féin
'Forget the foxes for a second'
At this weekend’s Sinn Féin Ard-Fheis, delegates from across Ireland voted on a range of policy positions, including a proposal to support a ban on fox hunting, which passed by a slim majority.
“Like many, I don’t hold strong views on the issue—but many diehard Republicans do. My reaction is that there was no need,” said Cavan County Councillor Stiofán Conaty. “As long as I am attending SF Ard-Fheiseanna, someone tries to pull this every year. And every year, it fails. This year, an organised lobby effort from outside the party saw enough bodies in the room to make sure party policy changed. The beauty of democracy!”
However, Cllr Conaty said Sinn Féin already had a policy, adding: “It was a good one. It was in line with the highest standards of animal welfare and it was in line with the majority of thinking—that fox hunting has been going on for years, that some people enjoy it, and that it is harmless enough in the wider scheme of things not to fall out over.”
He continued that even if the pastime is “not entirely harmless,” the issue “pales in comparison to the importance of marching in step towards Irish Unity. As Republicans, we must remain steadfast and united towards that goal. Everything else which would divide us is but a distraction.”
Cllr Conaty described Motion 29 as a “luxury policy position for those in the cities and the commuter belts,” adding: “But it’s a different story for us in rural Cavan. Our party activists are surrounded by huntsfolk. Some of the most active members in my local Sinn Féin cumann in Ballyhaise are huntsmen. As a rural councillor, I rely on these members. As a party building in rural Ireland and working hard for each and every win in the local area, we rely on these votes and appreciate each and every one of them. In my immediate local area, for example, there are four gun clubs within three parishes.”
He concluded: “Déan dearmad ar na madraí rua ar feadh soicinte / Forget the foxes for a second. I would appeal those urban members who proposed, spoke for and voted in favour of Motion 29 to remember that ‘Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile.’”