Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan is sticking to his guns after he declared himself to be an“animal rights activist”.

Minister Noonan was announcing that applications were open for the 2021-22 deer hunting season, something you would assume would be at odds with most animal rights activists.

The Dealer wondered if the minister had made a slip of the tongue and meant to declare himself in the animal welfare camp instead of the animal rights camp.

For the record, animal rights activists believe that animals are entitled to the same rights as humans are.

PETA is one of the best known animal rights groups.

Noonan’s department wouldn’t enlighten The Dealer, but did re-issue the same press statement again.

The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) has called for him to be removed from his post.