Splits have opened up in both Government and Opposition over the proposed ban on drift netting for salmon. Fine Gael has joined forces with dissident Fianna Fáil TDs in an effort to block the proposal, while Labour and the Greens have joined the PDs in supporting the ban.
The Independent Salmon Group, established by the Government, has warned that the Irish salmon stocks will be destroyed unless the ban is introduced on January 1st. Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey is now under strong internal pressure in Fianna Fáil not to implement the report.
At a meeting last night with about 20 members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party Mr Dempsey was urged not to implement the ban but instead to introduce a voluntary scheme for a three-year period. They also argued for higher compensation than proposed. The Minister agreed to speak to the Taoiseach about the issue and bring the views of the meeting to the Cabinet.
Fine Gael threw its weight behind the Fianna Fáil backbenchers with the party's Marine spokesman, John Perry, saying that his party was unconvinced that a compulsory ban would work. He argued that a voluntary compensation scheme should be introduced instead.
Mr Dempsey last night described Mr Perry's statement as being typical of Fine Gael. "It is trying to be all things to all men while serving no one. It is another fine example of Fine Gael and Labour looking in different directions on policy issues. Both parties have very different views on this issue."
Labour and the Greens yesterday endorsed the proposed ban. Labour Party marine and fisheries spokesman Tommy Broughan said he trusted that the Cabinet would now endorse the Independent Group's findings in time for the 2007 salmon season.
"Scientific evidence has long supported the need for a ban to ensure the long-term survival of Irish salmon stocks. Yet, the Government repeatedly ignored this advice and even authorised quota increases," he said.
Green Party marine spokesperson Eamon Ryan welcomed the report and called on the Government to implement its recommendations in full. "For many years we have argued that the use of drift nets at sea was threatening the survival of our precious wild salmon stocks. The fact that the commercial catch halved over the last five years shows the scale of the crisis we face."
Stop Now, the group campaigning for an end to the drift-net fishing of salmon, said the report acknowledged the catastrophic decline in salmon stocks and the need for a complete ban. The Irish Hotels Federation also welcomed recommendations saying they would return salmon angling tourism to the level of visitors it attracted prior to 1999.