James Reynolds, leader of the National Party,says he stands firm in his commitment to safeguarding the interests of Irish fishermen and the fishing industry.
Recent developments have raised serious concerns about the erosion of our fishing rights and the impact on our coastal communities, he said.
“As a party we vehemently oppose any actions that compromises the livelihoods of our hardworking fishermen. The European Union’s negotiations with Iceland regarding fishing rights in Irish waters have sparked outrage among our fishing communities. We must prioritise the well-being of our fishermen over any external agreements.
“Our fishing industry has a rich history and plays a vital role in our economy. It sustains countless families and coastal communities, not to mention spin off economic activity in these localities. The EU’s negotiations with Iceland should not come at the expense of Irishfishermen,” he said.
“Among the many ports in Donegal, Galway and Mayo affected by the outcome of the EU’s negotiations will be Rossaveel, Kilronan, Killybegs, Ballyglass and Keel to name a few. We refuse to accept a situation where their rights are further diminished. This is another example of how our natural resources are been given away by our incompetent public servants.
“The EU has a duty to protect the interests of its member states, or so it says. Unfortunately, in the case of Irish fishing, it has fallen well short, in fact it is estimated that it has cost us over €200 Billion in plundered resources, from foreign vessels catches, to wasteful practices and red tape. If the Iceland deal goes ahead, this could spell the death knell of the Irish fishing industry
“Ireland contributes significantly to the EU budget, yet our interests are repeatedly undermined. We demand fair treatment for fishermen and respect for their fishing rights and traditional fishing grounds. The Irish government going back decades have taken a slave mined approach to their dealings with the European Union,” he said.
“If elected as an EU candidate I will fight for our fishermen’s livelihoods and resist any further erosion of their rights. We should demand transparency in negotiations and accountability from both the EU and our own representatives. Supporting our coastal communities is extremely important. We must stand against this sea grab and annexation of Irish territorial waters and protect our fishing industry and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. We must ensure that Irish fishing remains a proud and thriving part of our national heritage,” he concluded.
