Fischler due in Dublin to seek support for CAP reform

EU agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler is due in Dublin today to lobby support for his plans to radically reform the Common Agriculture Policy.

Both the Government and the Irish Farmers Association have both expressed opposition to the plans, with the IFA opposed to any type of reform before 2006.

Mr Fischler's visit also coincides with fishermen's demonstrations in protest at Spain's demand for the abolition of Ireland's 50-mile fishing exclusion zone, which the Spanish claim is contrary to free trade.