How the Irish MEPs votedThe European Parliament decided today to request the European Court of Justice to assess whether the EU-Mercosur agreement is in conformity with the EU treaties. With 334 votes in favour, 324 against and 11 abstentions, the European Parliament adopted a resolution asking for a legal opinion from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the agreement. The European Parliament will continue its examination of the texts, while awaiting the opinion of the EU Court. Of the Irish MEPs, the following nine voted for the referral to the ECJ:Lynn Boylan Sinn Féin – The LeftNina Carberry Fine Gael – European People’s PartyBarry Cowen Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeKathleen Function Sinn Féin – The LeftBilly Kelleher Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeMichael McNamara Independent – Renew EuropeCynthia Ní Mhurchú Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeCiaran Mullooly Independent Ireland – Renew EuropeAodhán Ó Ríordáin Labour Party – Socialists and DemocratsThe following 4 voted against the resolution:Barry Andrews Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeSeán Kelly Fine Gael – European People’s PartyRegina Doherty Fine Gael – European People’s PartyMaria Walsh Fine Gael – European People’s PartyDid not vote: Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan Independent – The Left. On social media, MEP Flanagan said it was "torture" for him to be unable on doctor's advice, to attend parliament to send the proposed Mercosur agreement to the European Court of Justice.

Source: Irish Independent January 21, 2026 20:40 UTC