Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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We are part of the CFP and in the context of Brexit, we are part of an alliance with other member states that have similar fishing interests. If we were to break from that, apart from the bad faith, it would do untold damage to the CFP and the relative stability that it provides by sharing out the resources between member states. We would effectively say to those who support our analysis and who have been part of getting us to where we are now that we want some of their fish. That is the surest way to isolate ourselves and it would leave us vulnerable in the context of the rest of those member states. When it comes to December Council, we will all fight each other tooth and nail for the maximum share for our own industries, taking into account the scientific advice, the data on socioeconomic impact and the journey towards maximum sustainable yield, MSY. We have a shared interest in a critical issue and if we start flying solo on it, that would be counterproductive.