Offaly TD Carol Nolan. Government's Mercosur stance "looks more like political strategy than principled support" - NolanIndependent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has welcomed confirmation that Ireland will vote against the Mercosur trade deal - but said there was "a growing impression that this is more of a strategic political retreat in the face of Government infighting rather than principled support for the concerns of farmers". Earlier today (Thursday) it emerged that Ireland will vote against the Mercosur free trade agreement between the European Union and a number of South American countries. "That is why this no vote looks more like avoiding political mutiny rather than endorsing the massive and sustained opposition to Mercosur." A national protest rally against the Mercosur trade deal is planned for Athlone this Saturday and organisers said today that it will be going ahead.

Source: Irish Independent January 09, 2026 07:27 UTC