Irish fishermen made a desperate gesture in Dublin yesterday, by handing out free fish to the public on O'Connell Bridge.

The 200-strong group carried out the protest to illustrate what they described as the 'plight' of their industry.

On the same day French Head of State Nicolas Sarkozy visited Ireland, the fishermen made a march to Government Buildings.

The protesters said they wanted to send a message to the President that the fishing industry played a key role in shooting down in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

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Fisheries spokesperson David Kirwan said that it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living from fishing in Ireland.

The industry has pledge to continue their campaign against any further ratifications of the treaty unless much-needed aid is granted immediately.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, the Stormont Culture Minister, Gregory Campbell, His Government department has called on people of all ages to get involved in angling across the Province.

According to the Minister angling is inexpensive and relatively accessible anywhere in Northern Ireland.

The department has published a guide called Public Angling Estate of Fisheries, available to tourists and local anglers on payment of a small permit fee.

(PR)