(Image source: RTE)
The unrest over planned Russian military exercises off the Irish coast took a new turn today as the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation has indicated that some of its members intend to stage a peaceful protest of the exercises when they take place next month.
According to RTE, Patrick Murphy said that the area is “very important” for fishermen and that they are determined to protect marine life and biodiversity.
While the Russian ambassador has already moved to reassure the Irish Government that there is nothing to fear from their plans, this is not enough for the country’s fishermen. The fishing organisation has now had two phone calls with the Russian Embassy which has now issued a statement, reiterating their opinion that the exercises will not disrupt marine life. They also said that any attempt to interfere would be “reckless and irresponsible” and could but lives at risk.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Mr. Murphy objected once again to the exercises, insisting that they were going to affect their livelihoods and the marine life, saying:
“It’s no different to fishermen, this is our ground, this is our farm, this is where we earn our living”…….. “we should be entitled to go fishing there, and if we’re fishing there then these boats, these warships shouldn’t be having war games.”
He also said:
“We’re not going to face down boats, we’re not going to take them on that way, but we are definitely making a point here and we want our Government to do something for us. Getting rid of us is not the cure, trust me.”
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