Labour promises to protect fisheries sector

The Opposition leader, Joseph Muscat reassured fishermen that the Labour Party will guarantee their employment within the parameters of EU regulations. "Above all we will implement whatever we do and agree on with the fishermen without tricking them," Muscat said.

The PL leader was speaking during a meeting with the two cooperatives representing the fishermen; Koperattiva Nazzjonali tas-Sajd and the Għaqda Koperattiva tas-Sajd.

Muscat pledged to assign a political appointee to the sector who will be a 'point of first contact' and give the sector the necessary importance.

He also said "it is in everybody's interest to protect all fishermen. This means that large-scale fishermen must have the have room to grow and smaller-scale fishermen are given protection to expend their activity."

The Opposition leader stressed the importance of discussing the sector's future with both cooperatives and said "A new government will not seek division but will unite the cooperatives to ensure that any agreement reached is clear to all fishermen."

Ray Bugeja, speaking on behalf of the fishermen present for the meeting said that the sector is going through difficulties because of the wrong policies implemented by irresponsible political leaders.

He said fishermen expect to regain their dignity by having a ministry responsible for the sector and a Prime Minister who implements what is agreed.