CANDIDATES standing in the Midlands North West Constituency in the European Elections to be held on June 7, are invited to attend the launch of a pre-election campaign for change at EU level.
Fishing and seafood organisations have come and they are asking MEPs to fight for the survival of their industry and for a fair share of EU fishing quotas.
Aodh O Donnell of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) said they launched their #fight4fishing campaign on Wednesday and are urging the public to support it.
As part of the campaign, they’ve invited the Midlands North West candidates to a public meeting in Killybegs next Wednesday, May 22.
According to Mr O’Donnell candidates who have confirmed to attend to date include sitting MEPs Chris MacManus (SF) and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (Ind). Others confirmed include Senator Lisa Chambers, (FF) Dr Brian O’Boyle (PBP); James Reynolds (TNP), and Independents Peter Casey, Saoirse McHugh and John Waters.
“We want to hear their views on the industry,” says Mr O Donnell. “We want to know what they aim to do to address the crisis we are facing.”
The IFPO has joined forces with the Killybegs Fisherman’s Organisation (KFO) and the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA) to highlight fishing issues in the election campaign.
“Ireland has 12% of EU fishing waters but just 5.6% of EU fishing quotas and this huge disparity has to be addressed,” says Aodh O Donnell.
“For too long, the Irish Government and the EU have ignored this injustice, and we need elected representatives who will demand change.”
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