Moves to block Spanish fisherman

THE Government is to launch a diplomatic offensive today to block an invasion of Irish waters by Spanish fishermen.

The Spanish government claims its fishing fleet can fish in Irish waters from January. However, Marine Minister Dermot Ahern will meet the Danish marine minister in Copenhagen today to discuss the protection of the Irish fishing industry. The Danes hold the presidency of the EU and are one of its largest fishing nations.

Mr Ahern has already met the French, British and Portuguese marine ministers and says he has received their support to prevent the Spanish gaining full fishing rights in Irish waters.