MEP lashes fishing outcome
19 November 2008
"The manner in which the EU Fisheries Ministers rolled over on the Commission's unreasonable demands for savage cuts in the days when fishing is permitted, is a disgrace and gross betrayal of the fishing industry.
The 25% reduction in fishing effort, supposedly to protect cod stocks, is more than the industry can bear. The knock-on effect on prawn boats is particularly alarming.
There is not much point in stand-in Minister, Conor Murphy, trying to blame everyone else. He was charged with defending Northern Ireland's interests and he failed, lamentably failed. Even absentee Lord Rooker in his time didn't do worse.
On the back of this huge effort cut, the necessity to preserve and increase the quotas to be set next month is now more important than ever. I trust we not see another DARD failure and hand-wringing exercise."
