Exploitation of Nally case raised

Independent Dublin North Central TD Finian McGrath accused some politicians of exploiting the fallout from the conviction of Co Mayo farmer Pádraig Nally for the manslaughter of John Ward.

He said that in dealing with the rights of people and the issues of land and private property, it was essential that property never became more important than people.

"Recent cases have given rise to hot and heavy debate in this regard, particularly the Nally case. People have the right to defend themselves and their property, but they do not have a right to kill somebody on their property.

"I was amazed, shocked and horrified and found it a disgrace that some weak-kneed politicians used this issue in their own personal and political interests.

"I strongly support the rights of Travellers and challenge people in this House who lacked leadership on this issue. I am talking about people like Mr Jim Higgins MEP, and Deputy Paul Kehoe who said at a meeting in Bunclody last Thursday that he would have done exactly the same.

"The comments were disgraceful and out of order. Property should never be more important than people and I challenge them on that." Mr McGrath said he was raising the matter because it was important for all deputies to show leadership on those issues. "The Nally case was a sad case, but the reality is that the person involved crossed the line. We must all accept the responsibility of facing that.

"Those of us who have been personally attacked over the years for defending the rights of Travellers know this. Often many of us have been in abusive and dangerous situations, but we did not cross the line.

"It is important to point this out today. I commend Michael Collins and Pavee Point for showing leadership on this issue and defending their interests."

Mr McGrath said that criminality was everywhere, in the Traveller community and in the settled community. "Some 95 per cent of complaints in my constituency about anti-social behaviour and crime relate to the settled community, but we do not see that on RTÉ or in The Irish Times or the Irish Independent.

"Let us face facts. We cannot condone or support criminality, but neither should we label or brand a certain community for what is going on in society."

Mr McGrath was speaking during the debate on the Registration of Deeds and Titles Bill.