“Enormous Support for Fishing Industry Demonstration against Fisheries Bill”

The four Irish Fishing organisations who organised todays demonstrations in Dublin, Waterford, Galway and Cork wish to pay tribute to the fishermen from all corners of Ireland, with large vessels and small, who today downed tools to demonstrate in the various ports. "This is a powerful, dignified, united and disciplined protest against the extremist measures and approach contained in the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill, and is testament not only to the strength of feeling in the industry against the bill, but also to the professionalism of the crews and skippers of the hundreds of vessels which took part" said a spokesman this afternoon. "We appreciate the support expressed by public representatives who attended the various demonstrations" "The Government MUST listen to the united voice of the industry and be prepared to introduce an on-the-spot system of sanctions for all but the most serious fisheries offences, as applies throughout the EU and is the clearly stated preference of the EU" he added. The industry organisations appreciate the great co-operation of the port authorities and Gárda Siochána and the forebearence of the motoring public in Dublin during the demonstrations.

3rd February 2006