Gallagher appealed against his constituent’s fishing fine

"MARINE minister Pat “the Cope” Gallagher last year tried to overturn a fine imposed on a constituent for fisheries offences, according to files released yesterday by the Department of Justice.

Gallagher used the controversial petitioning system, which allows the justice minister to cancel fines imposed by district courts, to ask Michael McDowell to revoke the punishment. The request was refused."

[url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2091-2081904,00.html]Full Story[/url]

its interesting to know this petition system even exists!

Yes. Very interesting indeed. Well we know now that we will have to work even harder to do our part as anglers for the protection of our fish stocks. More letters, e-mails, petitions and protection groups. We also need to collaborate together more.

John D

The petition is only supposed to be invoked on behalf of those facing fines with no means to pay, as I understood it. I doubt many large trawler owners fall into that category......