"Here we go again, it's bash the fishermen time in Brussels" - Allister
11 November 2008
Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister
"The publication by the EU Commission of its annual Quota proposals shows again Brussels intent on suppressing our fishing industry, without cause or scientific justification. The science on prawns, haddock, plaice and herring is positive, yet only with haddock is there a proposal to increase quota. With everything else it is the usual dismal proposal for savage cuts. It is the pursuit of such unwarranted "cut now, think later" mentality which shows Brussels so unfit for this task. Last year, in face of evidence from the fishermen the Commission insisted in cutting the North East Atlantic mackerel quota by 9%, now, having got it so wrong, they have to concede a 33% increase for 2009. This random trial and error approach is imposing unnecessary pain on the industry, which stands to be repeated this year in respect of prawns, plaice and herring.
I, therefore, strongly support the stance of our local fishermen in exposing the lunacy of Brussels and commend Alan McCulla MBE and ANIFPO for their reasoned analysis of the proposals.
Radical changes must be made to these proposals and I certainly will be lobbying hard to this effect."
