‘Brand Ireland’ approach “Absurd” -Allister
01 September 2007
Jim Allister MEP has condemned a recent statement by Bairbre de Brun where she has called on the Commission to formalise a ‘Brand Ireland’ approach to agriculture.
Mr Allister said,
‘This is yet another example of Sinn Fein attempting to manipulate the agriculture portfolio, to fit within the Party’s warped Political aspirations.’
He added,
‘In the latest incidence of Foot and Mouth in Surrey, the mechanism already existed whereby Northern Ireland livestock and meat produce could be excluded from a GB ban on exports. De Brun’s assertion that, ‘The EU decided wisely to treat the North as being unlinked to the British food industry’, and that this approach should be, ‘formalised’ has wider connotations.’
‘This latest attempt to align the Northern Ireland agricultural industry with the Republic of Ireland is an absolute non-starter. What de Brun is proposing would jeopardise trade from Northern Ireland if foot and mouth were to be discovered in the Republic of Ireland. Moreover, to state that Northern Ireland is, ‘unlinked to the British food industry’ is a ridiculous statement. GB is the largest market for Northern Ireland food and drink sales, accounting for 39% of total sales. Clearly, de Brun’s stance is motivated primarily by political aspirations.’
‘De Brun’s Party colleague, Michelle Gildernew’s initial attempt as Minister to force an All-Island approach to the marketing of Northern Ireland food was immediately discounted by the local agri-food industry, as being misguided and potentially detrimental to the industry. De Brun obviously needs to learn the same lesson.’
ENDS
