Candidate defends castration call

A Fianna Fail by-election candidate yesterday defended his call for the Government to consider castrating serial rapists.

Mr Michael Maguire, candidate in the Tipperary South by-election, said there was "nothing new" in his comments, which he first expressed some years ago. He said castration should be considered for rapists who were "going back on the beat to commit this humiliating offence against women".

A Fianna Fail spokesman said Mr Maguire's views were not Government policy but there was no question of him being reprimanded.

"Michael is a man of strong personal opinions. He is well known for having strong views on crime and punishment and, if he is elected, he will be able to express his views in the appropriate forums."

Mr Maguire said yesterday he has always been forthright in his views on crime, especially crimes against women and the elderly.

"While this Government has made a big impact in reducing crime, the reality is that crime is an issue that can affect us all."

"I believe there should be stronger deterrents to crime and that the penalty should fit the crime," he said.

The by-election, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Fine Gael's Mrs Theresa Ahearn, takes place on June 30th. The candidates are: Mr Tom Hayes (FG); Mr Michael Maguire (FF); Mr Denis Landy (Lab) and Ms Phil Prendergast (Ind).