Fishermens action pays off

being on the winning side good news for fishermen.

The federation of Irish Fishermen played a blinder, protests running up to the vote on Lisbon, an active and vocal media campaign a clear vote no call.

The stats prove it, in every media account of the count on Friday, there was reference to the high turnout in coastal areas and high votes up to 90% in boxes from fishing villages.

Fishermen spokespersons were articulate and reasonable and engaged with the issues. the Minister was watery and useless. Public sympathy was firmly with the fishermen and their actions helped to galvanise and motivate no voters all around the coast.

In one interview I listened to a fisherman and a british scientist debated fish stocks and how best to fish sustainably. What was remarkable was the fishermans commitment to a reasonable approach being advocated by the scientist of large no go areas for fishing to allow spawning and prsevation of stocks. His only crib was that previous efforts in this area had not been monitored assessed or maintained. The scientist argued for 30% no fishing zones internationally, the fisherman was open to discuss this.

There is hope yet. The Fishermen are now a serious political force and lobby group with a sympathetic ear from the public. The also are not afraid to engage in militant direct action like blockading ports and stopping fish imports through the airports. They are a positive example for workers.