Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin Gives Guarded Welcome to Review Group

Published: 29 June, 2006

Local Businessman Michael Herapy pictured with Thomas Pringle and Pearse Doherty Fish Ireland 2006

Local Businessman Michael Herapy pictured with Thomas Pringle and Pearse Doherty Fish Ireland 2006

Sinn Féin Cllr Thomas Pringle has today said that fishermen and women in Ireland require fair play. Cllr Pringle was speaking following the opening of Fish Ireland this morning and the announcement on the establishment of a 'Strategic Review Group' for the fishing industry.

Speaking today Cllr Pringle said:

"Sinn Féin believes that there needs to be a strategic approach to benefit the fishing communities. The strategy group established today must allow all problems to be discussed and find a way to show the fishermen that this government are interested in protecting their rights. However, the terms of reference may prove to be constrictive, as there appears to be issues that will not fall within their remit.

"What we ask for is fair play in the way Irish fishermen and women who have worked hard to ensure a sustainable way forward are treated in comparison with those from other sectors. They have been disadvantaged for a number of years and feel their specific concerns have not been addressed.

"The future of the fishing industry remains precarious and people are rightly concerned as to what the future will hold. Whilst I am not sure the terms of reference set out today are far reaching enough, the opportunity to address the fishing communities concerns must be grasped. I reiterate my call for a long-term assessment of the industry to ensure its future sustainability.