Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I wish to be associated with Deputy Cowley's remarks. He has put forward a reasonable response to much of the recent emanations regarding decent, ordinary local people who have protested peacefully in order that their concerns and safety are addressed. I stress there has been a deliberate attempt to create a perception that events in County Mayo are being orchestrated from outside, but nothing could be further from the truth. I visited the site a number of months ago and learned at first hand of people's concerns, fears and worries. I have also heard them articulate their position from a very reasonable standpoint. Basically, local people want to talk to those who are prepared to listen with an open mind, rather than entering talks with a fixed position to ride roughshod over their rights. I cannot blame people with such fears for protesting as they have been doing. They genuinely have the interests of the country and its resources at heart.

As Deputy Cowley noted, the presence of hundreds of gardaí in an area probably results in a community that lives in fear. However, the Minister is not prepared to talk to these people. It reflects a closed-minded approach on the part of the Government.

When refineries, the amount of gas off our coast and similar issues are discussed, it is suggested that this will be of great benefit to the economy and to the people of the west. Apart from the initial creation of jobs, the gas, which will come from our resources, will be bought at market value. There should be honesty in this regard. A spin is being placed on commentary, most of which emanates from those with a vested interest, as well as from the Government. Local people are being demonised accordingly, as are people who support them from around the coastal communities of Ireland. Throughout this island, genuinely concerned people who support them are being falsely accused of orchestrating deliberate violence, which is not the case. I fully support Deputy Cowley's contribution in this respect. No one has more authority to speak in this regard than a man who comes from the area and is one of the people.

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