Photograph: Getty ImagesThe Government will vote against the Mercosur trade deal, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have confirmed. The European Union is to vote on Friday on the contentious trade deal with the Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed while on an official visit to China that Ireland will vote no to the deal. Speaking in Shanghai, Mr Martin said the concessions made to allay the concerns of Irish farmers about the deal were inadequate. [ Ireland’s rejection of Mercosur sees Coalition concerns trump EU politicsOpens in new window ]What is the Mercosur trade deal?

Source: The Irish Times January 08, 2026 14:19 UTC