Native to County Derry and last seen in the wild in 1978, the rogue bandit was well sought after for its song and natural camouflage. Known for rambling the countryside but with only rare sightings recorded, he is fondly talked about in local legend as a symbol of freedom and good luck.
Some farmers are concerned about the threat to livestock from reintroducing the predator but the former Sinn Fein Council member has ensured media that the bandit only stalks aggressive fowl and has a much larger part to play in the counter militerisation ecosystem.
There's not much support for the proposal at present but the former Council member says he may review plans in the next 30 years and hopes to see the return of Francis Hughes in his lifetime.