Allister challenges Hain over Rooker no-show

20 December 2005

Following indications that NI Fisheries Minister, Lord Rooker, will not now attend, at all, the Brussels Council meeting which is setting next year's Quotas, I have this afternoon written urgently to his boss, the Secretary of State for NI, in the following terms:-

Dear Secretary of State,

The most important function which the Fisheries Minister in Northern Ireland performs each year is to represent and fight for the interests of the local industry at the annual Quota-setting session in Brussels every December. The dates are known for months in advance.

Last year we had the level of service we expect from the Minister, Ian Pearson, and in consequence a tolerable deal was reached and he generally enjoyed the confidence of the stakeholders in the sector.  This year, alas, Lord Rooker has shown gross disinterest and has failed to attend the on-going negotiations in Brussels.  Representation by the Permanent Secretary is of little value in the horse-trading into which the session develops.  It is political pressure which counts at this stage; that is why habitually the Minister attends.

The Scottish Minister is present, the English Minister also, but Northern Ireland's Minister is reportedly in Westminster!  It is no coincidence that reports indicate the Scottish are securing a fair deal, also the South-West fishermen, but so far all Northern Ireland is being offered is more cuts.

This is intolerable. If Lord Rooker is not prepared to do the job for which he is being paid, then, why is he not relieved of this portfolio?  Or, is this a very unsubtle attempt to make a political point about devolution?  We are dealing hear with the livelihoods of our fishermen, not some academic debate.

I would, therefore, like an explanation from you as Secretary of State as to why Lord Rooker has let down the fishermen of Northern Ireland at the one time when they need him most.

I look forward to hearing from you urgently.

Yours sincerely,

Fishing