Fishermen unhappy about Govt's proposals

Fishermen say they are angry and disappointed with the Government following today's meeting at which they discussed the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister's new proposals to alleviate problems in the industry.

Brendan Smith has pledged to go to the EU next week and ask for a financial package to help ease the burden of soaring fuel prices and EU fishing quotas.

He made the assurances following a lengthy meeting with representatives of the main fishing groups yesterday.

While fishermen say this is a step in the right direction, they are hitting out at the Government for failing to commit to a long-term solution to the problem.