THE Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation has endorsed Fianna Fail's marine and fisheries protection policies and has urged all crew members to vote on Friday.
Following a meeting at the weekend, the organisation has stopped short of issuing a specific direction to members. However, it is expected that a majority will opt for Fianna Fail.
The organisation, based in Castletownbere, Co Cork, represents ports from the Shannon estuary to the Blackwater.
A review of the Common Fisheries Policy and a renewal of the Irish whitefish fleet have been identified as priorities by the organisation.
It has also urged all parties to take a firm stance against an EU fishing permit system at the forthcoming EU InterGovernmental Conference (IGC) in Amsterdam.
Fianna Fail has issued the "best response" in its marine and defence policies, according to the organisation. However, its secretary, Mr Tom Hassett, said yesterday the Fianna Fail marine document "falls short on financial commitments and a specific approach to the IGC".
Fianna Fail's promise to recruit 300 extra Naval Service personnel for fishery protection has also been welcomed by the organisation. This commitment was made by the party's marine and defence spokesman, Mr Michael Smith, during publication of his policy documents last month.
However, the party's proposal in its defence document to "develop a strategic plan" which would set out optimum fleet size for the Naval Service has been dismissed as a fudge by Mr Hassett.
"This is not the time for another plan and more consultants' reports," he said. "The Naval Service knows the type of ships it requires and it only needs approval to go ahead.
"Spain has 255 vessels to police 70,000 square miles, while Ireland has only seven for 132,000 square miles.
"The Naval Service costs only £32 million out of a total defence budget of £400 million. That's the same amount of money that was spent on Garda and Army overtime for BSE and Border patrols.
"It shows the priority that the Government has attached to the marine resource to date."
