"This paired with the evident lack of credence given to social workers, is causing unnecessary delay, " she said.

BBC: Court delays 'damaging' children in care

Sir James Paice, until recently an agriculture minister, said the government was right to delay the cull "given the circumstances", although he regretted that those circumstances had arisen.

BBC: Abandon badger cull, Green MP demands

Indeed, given the lateness of the hour, the audience questions only served to delay the livelier exchanges which were broadcast near midnight.

BBC: NI election Leaders Debate: last word from party heads