NORTHERN IRELAND: The British government's approval of the commercial growing of genetically modified maize in Britain could lead to the crop being grown in Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin warned yesterday.
Its agriculture spokesman, Mr Martin Ferris, strongly criticising the decision, said: "Sinn Féin has campaigned strongly on this issue over the past year since it became obvious that both the British and Irish governments at EU level were caving in to pressure from the United States and corporate interests to allow GM.
"We are particularly concerned at the prospect that the GM maize will be grown in the North. As a recent American scientific study proves, there can be no safeguard against cross-contamination and therefore the growing of such a crop in any part of Ireland would have serious implications for non-GM species.
"Today's decision also reinforces the need for public opinion in this State to put pressure on the Irish Government to reverse its decision to vote at EU level in favour of lifting the current embargo.
"We intend to make it a major issue in this year's elections.
"The future of Irish agriculture and the safety of Irish food produce must not be endangered by the allowing of GM."