Danny Healy-Rae grabbed headlines earlier this year when he asserted that God is in charge of the weather. And in the new issue of Hot Press, the Kerry TD goes one better, explaining his controversial views on climate change with reference to Noah's Ark as fact.

Asked by Jason O'Toole whether he felt criticism of his views was unfair, he replies: "Everyone is entitled to their view. I’m basing my views on facts. The facts are there and history proves it. We had the Ice Age. We had Noah’s Ark. We had all those stories. We’ve proof of the Famine in 1740, which was caused by two years of incessant rain.

"Those are facts," he continues. "There were some centuries when the country was very hot and warm and then there were different centuries with so much rain and cold. So, those are facts."

It's just one of the eye-catching statements made by the Kilgarvan-based politician, who also declares that he would have no hesitation in shooting an intruder on his property.

"I’d aim for their legs first. I’d immobilise them first, or something like that, if there was no other way of dealing with them. I’d have no problem with that. It’s ridiculous where the law actually favours the criminal in some of these incidents."

In a remarkable, wide-ranging, thoughtful and often entertaining interview, the Kerry TD also talks about:

– How Facebook users are helping criminals
– Why prostitution might be a problem in Waterford, but not Kerry
– Why he voted against same sex marriage
– His views on abortion and the 8th Amendment
– When drink driving can be okay and should be allowed
– Being depicted as an "eejjt from Kerry" in the media
– And the accusation that he goes to too many funerals.

And that’s only the half of it! It's another powerful Hot Press Interview that's sure to have the nation talking. To read the full, frank and wonderfully illuminating exchange with Danny Healy-Rae, pick up a copy of our brand new Electric Picnic issue, with Lana Del Rey on the cover, on shelves tomorrow.

You can Buy Hot Press 40-14, our Electric Picnic special starring Lana Del Rey direct from hotpress.com
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