Independent TDs Stand Firm in Opposition to Mercosur Trade Deal

Independent TDs stand firm in opposition to Mercosur trade deal

An Irish vote against contentious trade deal risks burning political capital in Brussels

Government coalition under threat as independents could walk away over Mercosur trade deal

Junior minister Michael Healy-Rae said he and other regional independents were 'steadfast' in their opposition to the deal ahead of Government decision on the trade pact on Friday

Revelation emerges as Mercosur vote looms –with Coalition split on trade deal

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is facing a backlash from Independent TDs supporting his Government after leaving the door open to backing the controversial Mercosur trade deal ahead of a crunch vote in Brussels tomorrow, write Brian Mahon. As EU member states prepare for a vote on ratifying the South American deal, concerns among farmers – who fear it will see the bloc flooded with cheap beef and poultry – were heightened after the Department of Agric…