No going back on hunting

I was very pleased at the joint press release issue by the united environmental NGOs urging MEP candidates to respect the Birds Directive and to refrain from impossible promises to the hunting lobby.

At AD, we have obviously never made such promises, but it seems that the other political parties are, in a campaign of confusion which aims to distract the electorate from the real issues, and extrapolates from the truth in what is a veritable exercise in misinformation.

This release further convinces me of the independence of our NGOs who, although necessarily courted by all parties and candidates, have still retained their visions and ideals, and have spoken out on what most matters to them and on what determines their role in civil society.

It also shows that early attempts by certain budding candidates to occupy the political space concerning civil society and the environment has failed miserably, mostly because environmental greenwash and posturing are not borne out of conviction, but solely of political expediency.

While not wanting to ride the NGOs wave, I feel proud to declare that AD has always been credible and consistent with regards to environment, and especially the hunting issue. During my campaign, I have frequently met hunters who, although obviously diametrically opposed to our stand, respect us for our beliefs, and feel offended at the continuous attempts at duping them with false promises by other parties and candidates.

One must mention that the ban on spring hunting was one of the first and greatest victories for the majority of the population who believed in the European dream. It seems however that some candidates and particular parties want to go back on the done deal, or else purport to modify something that cannot be.

I trust that the electorate considers this fact in the polling booth, and realises who the most credible and consistent party on this matter was.