Low turnout of MEP candidates at fisheries meeting

Only two of fourteen midlands and northwest candidates in the MEP elections to the European Parliament attended a fisheries briefing organised by the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish Fish Producer’s Organisation on Tuesday (13/05).

The meeting focused on key priorities for Ireland’s fishing industry for the next ten years under the new Common Fisheries Policy, the Common Organisation of Markets and the European Fisheries Fund – critical pieces of legislation for coastal communities.

MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher; Sean O’Donognue, KFO, TF Fay, The People’s Movement for Change, and Francis O’Donnell, IFPO

Fisheries leaders and the public used the opportunity to question candidates on their priorities as potential members of the European Parliament. 

“It was a shocking indictment for an island nation that people who hope to represent us in Europe can’t even take the time to attend a key fisheries meeting. How can these people represent us if they don’t understand fisheries issue?,” remarked Francis O’Donnell (IFPO) and Sean O’Donoghue (KFO). 

They added that decisions taken at European Parliament level under the co-decision process in relation to fisheries have major impact on coastal communities across Ireland.

“We wanted to know from candidates whether or not they would commit to being a full-time member of the Fisheries Committee, if elected. We are delighted that Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP gave that commitment if elected.”