The Government is facing a rural revolt as it continues to hedge its position on Mercosur in advance of a defining vote later this week.
France and Italy’s governments have added their opposition to ratification, calling for a delay until farmers’ concerns have been properly addressed. Despite this, neither Taoiseach Micheál Martin nor Tánaiste Simon Harris have clearly stated Ireland’s position on the trade deal with the South American bloc of countries.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon restricted his reaction to saying he has “grave concerns” around the deal’s impact on farming.
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh called on Martin, Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee “to show leadership and commit to voting against Mercosur at EU Council level”.
Fellow Fine Gael MEP Nina Carberry and Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen both hailed improvements in the safeguards in place delivered by the European Parliament’s international trade committee, while repeating their opposition to a deal.
Rural backbench Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs are understood to want their Government to join Poland, France and Italy, which would create a blocking minority of sufficient weight to stop the deal. Independent TDs supporting the Government are deeply unhappy with the stance taken.
It comes as 10,000 farmers are set to descend on Brussels this Thursday to protest against Mercosur, CAP proposals and red tape in farming.
SHARING OPTIONS