Michael Healy-Rae is standing firmly over comments that he doesn't 'feel sorry for criminals who go home in boxes'.
The Independent TD for South Kerry says the Government is bringing about the demise of rural Ireland through the closure of Garda stations and he says people cannot be expected not to defend themselves.
Deputy Healy-Rae says while he wouldn't advise anyone to use anything other than 'reasonable force' he has no sympathy for criminals who find themselves under attack.
He told The Journal.ie that many people in rural areas are left more exposed to criminals due to the closure of Garda stations.
Michael Healy-Rae and the Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust Deirdre Malone joined Jonathan Healy on Lunchtime today to discuss the issue.
