The Taoiseach and Tánaiste confirmed on Thursday that Ireland would be voting against the Mercosur agreement. The other EU countries, including Italy, which held a decisive vote, approved the trade deal. Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion condemned the decision to approve the deal, warning that it is "bad for Irish farmers, the environment, and public health". Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman said the agreement is not fair to Irish farmers and consumers. "It’s not fair to Irish farmers, who have to compete with food raised to much lower welfare standards.

Source: Irish Examiner January 09, 2026 11:24 UTC