One couldn’t quite call it a U-turn, but if any course correction was under consideration on Ireland’s vote on Mercosur, that has certainly been kiboshed. What is the Mercosur trade deal? The programme for government codifies Ireland’s opposition to the deal, committing the Coalition to “work with like-minded EU countries” in opposing Mercosur. [ Government ‘failed utterly’ to stop Mercosur deal, says Mary Lou McDonaldOpens in new window ]The occupant of the Taoiseach’s office is usually as preoccupied with the State’s interests internationally as with domestic politics. And aside from the Independents, the competition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil for rural votes is fierce.

Source: The Irish Times January 08, 2026 16:50 UTC