Therefore, the revolt by farmers and many rural TDs against the Mercosur trade agreement, which Ireland will now reject, might have been foreseen. Then came the announcement that the Government would reject the deal. It is a largely symbolic gesture, as there are already enough countries to carry it in Brussels. Ireland will be joined by France in voting against the deal, but a blocking minority would require four members. This could increase EU exports to the Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – by 39pc, worth €49bn to the EU.

Source: Irish Independent January 09, 2026 08:34 UTC