The Government faces the risk of internal division over its vote on a contentious EU trade deal with a group of South American countries. However, Ireland continues to harbour deep concerns over the impact of the deal on the agricultural sector, even as expectations were growing in Government that Italy would support the deal. In that case, Irish opposition to the deal would only be symbolic and voting against it could burn political capital in Europe. The source said they have serious concerns about the deal, which are mirrored by farming organisations. This could also allow for bilateral meetings on the Mercosur deal.

Source: The Irish Times January 07, 2026 16:31 UTC