Mattie McGrath Defends Greyhound Industry and Local Jobs
Mattie McGrath spoke in the Dáil in support of the greyhound and horse industries, commending a piece of legislation and defending local jobs. He condemned unscrupulous breeders, criticised protest tactics and said animal shelters lack sufficient funding.
Support for industry and jobs
The deputy highlighted the horse-raising and greyhound sectors in Tipperary, saying they account for 10,000 jobs directly and many more indirectly. He pointed to investments in greyhound stadiums in Clonmel and Toros and described the industry as a source of rural entertainment and support for veterinarians, suppliers and medicines.
Opposition to unscrupulous breeders and critics
He said he supported the industry but had no trust in a tiny minority of unscrupulous breeders. He criticised what he called "nearsayers" who are "anti-everything," and accused some critics of trying to control or silence democratically elected representatives, citing a tweet sent within 30 seconds of his remarks at leaders' questions.
Views on protests and polls
The deputy challenged the validity of polls and alleged that students and young people were paid to picket, including in Clonmel, and to stir up other issues in the town. He dismissed some protesters as uninformed about the greyhound business and its operations.
Support for animal shelters and legislation
He affirmed support for animals and local animal shelters, noting they do not have enough money. He commended the legislation under debate, voiced his backing for the whole initiative and thanked councillors who defended his right to speak.
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I too want to support this debate here today, I support the industry, I have no trust in any of the unscrupulous breeders, a tiny minority that are out there, I want to acknowledge the prowess that we have for the horse raising and the greyhound industry in Tipperary, 10,000 jobs directly in the country and so much more indirectly, and the nearsayers here that are just anti-everything really, are anti-this, and you know, they would have us leaving, afraid to speak, I was speaking today, it was an issue on leaders' questions, and one of our same heroes here was tweeting within 30 seconds of my speaking, that I was dog whistling, who do they think they are, to control this democratically elected parliament, I for one won't be silenced by them, in any of my views or opinions, and I thank the last councillor and the councillor for their protection in that right, but these people talk about polls, where are these polls done, and they pay students and young people to come along then picketing, and come along and do other issues around the town of Clonmel, we have a stadium, a greyhound stadium in Clonmel, wonderful stadium now, we have one in Toros as well, huge investments in it, a source of entertainment for rural people, and also the industry, the veterinarian, the suppliers, the medicines, everything else, and above all the love that families have in South Tipperary, or over Tipperary, and the country for their animals, I support the animals, and I support the animal shelters that are out here, they don't have enough money, but when some deputies here want to come up protesting, and they'll be up to lunches, and they think it's a greyhound, that'll tell you what they know about the business, and what's going on there, so I commend this piece of legislation, and support the whole happening.
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