Drift-net ban - Government must save Irish salmon

NO sooner has an independent Government-appointed committee sought to outlaw drift-netting for salmon, an issue of international concern which has brought intense pressure on Ireland from tourism, environmental, and angling interests, than back-bench Fianna Fáil TDs have taken to the barricades.

Politically, this scenario is reminiscent of the concerted efforts of FF deputies to derail the Government’s smoking ban despite compelling arguments in its favour.

Seeking to dilute the impact of the landmark salmon report — one of many commissioned on the subject over the last decade — coastal deputies, with anxious eyes on next year’s election, are actively lobbying Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Cabinet ministers.