Allister slams Gildernew's neglect of Fishing Sector
24 September 2007
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
“I am appalled that since coming to office Minister Gildernew has not held a single formal meeting with the fishing sector in Northern Ireland. Apart from a couple of informal encounters at social events the Minister has largely ignored fishing interests. Yet, she had time to tour fishing ports in the Republic when campaigning for Sinn Fein in their general election and recently found time to meet with the Irish farming organizations, but the organized representatives of our own fishing industry have been ignored.
Since we are fast approaching the crucial quota setting at the end of the year, it is deplorable that the fishing organizations have not been met in preparation for a major push in Brussels to secure major increases in haddock and other quotas. I am glad that the fishing organizations are meeting the Assembly DARD Committee on 2 October, but there is no excuse for the Minister neglecting this vital sector.”
