SINN FEIN TRYING TO MISLEAD THE PUBLIC ON FISHING – PAT THE COPE



Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP has accused Sinn Féin of trying to mislead the Irish public about the facts of the EU and Irish fishing. Speaking in response to a new anti EU leaflet launched by Sinn Fein on Fishing and Farming, Pat the Cope said the report was “littered with inaccuracies in the area of fishing”.

“This is yet another example of the No campaigners trying to twist the facts to best suit their arguments and scare the Irish public ahead of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum,” said Pat the Cope. “We have seen it with Coir, with have seen it with the extreme British nationalists in UKIP and now we are seeing if from Sinn Fein.”

“The latest document they have produced is littered with inaccuracies in the area of fishing for example. In their report they claim that the EU is aiming “ to accelerate the rate of decommissioning.” This is clearly incorrect.”

“ The Sinn Féin report also references the now infamously made up figure of €200 billion that has supposedly been taken from Irish waters. This figure was originally attributed to the impartial Eurostat body and they have since vehemently denied that it ever came from them. It is completely inaccurate and I would ask Sinn Féin if they really believe it why aren’t they calling for Ireland to leave the European Union?”

“The fact is that it is essential that people working in the fisheries sector vote Yes for the Lisbon Treaty on October 2nd next. It is the only way of ensuring Ireland’s voice will have maximum impact come the review of the Common Fisheries Policy which is ongoing at the moment.”

“We must negotiate this review of the Common Fisheries Policy from a position of strength and not weakness. A Yes vote for the Lisbon Treaty will strengthen our negotiating hand during these important discussions. It will also mean that all fishing related decisions will be referred to the European Parliament which will obviously give the Irish MEPs further say in all fishing matters.”

“We should also remember that leading organisations in the fishing industry in Ireland are backing a Yes vote. This includes both the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation (KFO) and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO).”

“Sinn Féin should bear that in mind before making up more inaccurate documents on fishing,” Pat the Cope concluded.

ENDS.