​Ciaran Mullooly advocates for Irish fisheries in European Election bid

 Ciaran Mullooly, a candidate for Independent Ireland in the upcoming European elections, has committed to championing the Irish fisheries industry as it battles the dominance of Dutch and Spanish trawlers under restrictive European legislation. 

Contesting the Midlands North-West constituency, which spans fifteen counties with over 3,300 kilometers of coastline, Mullooly has made the fight for fair fishing quotas a cornerstone of his campaign. "Ireland's fishing industry has been dealt an incredibly unfair hand," Mullooly asserted. "We control 12% of all EU waters but are allocated just 5.6% of the fishing quotas. This is a blatant injustice that cannot continue. 

Our vessels are allowed to catch only 15% of the fish in our own waters, while foreign trawlers exploit our rich marine resources." Speaking in Killybegs at a meeting with representatives of fisheries bodies, he highlighted the disparity by pointing out that Ireland's coastline is six times greater than that of the Netherlands, yet Dutch fleets legally caught 40% more fish in the North Atlantic than Irish fleets in a single year. 

“This is not just about numbers; it's about the livelihoods of our fishermen and fisherwomen, the sustainability of our coastal communities, and the preservation of our maritime heritage," he said. 

 A former RTÉ journalist and broadcaster with over thirty years of experience in the community and voluntary sector, Mullooly brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of local issues to his campaign. He stressed the need for a united front among Irish MEPs to address these inequities. "Regardless of party lines, all Irish MEPs must rally together to fight for our fisheries. This is a national issue that demands our collective action." 

Mullooly's commitment to the cause resonates strongly with coastal communities within his constituency, who have long felt the pressures of restrictive quotas and the encroachment of larger, more powerful foreign trawlers. "Fishing communities in Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal along with the coastal counties of Louth, and Meath, are the backbone of our maritime culture. 

They deserve a fair share of the resources that are rightfully ours," he declared. Though he has yet to decide which European political grouping he will align with, Mullooly stated that his decision will depend on the post-election composition of the parliament. "I will choose the alliance that best serves the interests of Ireland and our fisheries. My priority is to ensure that our voice is heard loud and clear in Europe," he emphasized.  

Mullooly also criticized the terms of Ireland's entry into the EU in 1973, particularly regarding fishing rights. "Fishing was handed a very bad deal when we joined the EU. It's high time we renegotiated these terms to reflect the realities and needs of our industry today. The quotas imposed on us are outdated and unjust." 

As the election draws near, Mullooly remains steadfast in his advocacy, engaging with constituents and pledging to bring their concerns to the forefront of the European Parliament. "This election is a pivotal moment for Irish fisheries. We must seize this opportunity to demand fair treatment and ensure the sustainability of our industry for future generations," he said. In closing, Mullooly reinforced his unwavering commitment: "Our fishermen and fisherwomen deserve better. They deserve a fair deal, and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure they get it. This is about protecting our way of life and ensuring that our coastal communities thrive. Together, we can achieve a better future for Irish fisheries." The vast constituency takes in fifteen counties across three provinces with a population of 1.8 million people.