Can I object to my dad getting a gun licence?

[bkgirl]

Hiya, my dad is mid 70's had a gun since his twenties. Recently he has left the house unlocked etc and gone to visit friends....my poor mum is so annoyed about it. Frankly someone could waltz in and if they spied the cabinet, well I hate to think. His licence is up for renewal, to be fair I don't think he has dementia or anything in particular....we would all just be happier if it was no longer about. We have asked him nicely, it didn't work but now we are really pushing him. If the police officer comes to collect it, could he go behind our backs later and get it again? He has good friends who are gps so he could get an application signed easily. He also has this persistent shake in his hand.....and refuses to do anything about it (he conceals it quite cleverly). Any advice welcome.

Just an update, yesterday he still had refused to give it in and spoke to me in his old threatening tones. Worse he spoke to my sis he same way and she was near hysterical saying he could come up with his gun to berrate her. Enough was enough, I phoned the police and told them.....they agreed to collect it today :) My husband went down last night and convinced him to hand it in himself....so he said he will. I have asked the firearms officers to let him come in with it and they have agreed. However, I will call them and if he hasn't it in by 3pm and they may go collect it.
I asked them does this sort of thing happen a lot (old codgers with family members trying to get them to relinquish guns) - YES she said, she also explained they took the view that the families tended to know best and have the right intuition. TBF the police were really nice about it and I know they will be tactful and firm if necessary. Frankly it just means I can sleep easier but really this has severely damaged my relationship with my father. I have spent weeks sick with worry for what my husband calls yet again negative attention seeking by an old man who was very controlling all his life.
Anyway, thanks to everyone - your words helped me keep sane!!!!!

NB Just to be clear he didn't come up to my sisters with his gun (and we haven't seen it in years) but we know he is well capable when the old red mist descends...

Well done. Totally the right thing to do all round.

I'm glad to hear that. It must be a relief to you and yes, well done, it is the right thing to do all round.

In my experience the police in your average local NI station are well used to this scenario. You did the right thing.