Fishermen agree to defer protests

Fishermen have agreed to defer any further protests until after the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister meets with EU officials to discuss 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 fishing quotas.

Hundreds of fishermen met in Athlone earlier to discuss the outcome of a nine-hour meeting with the Minister and the Federation of Irish Fishermen yesterday.

They are hitting out at the Government for failing to commit to a long-term solution to the problem.

However Johnny Walsh, who is representing the protestors, speaking today said: "After a very heated debate, we have decided to give the Ministers the benefit of the doubt and give them a chance to deliver on their promises."