Ottoline SpearmanA protest against the EU-Mercosur deal will take place this Saturday in Athlone, after an EU vote on the deal on Friday. Irish beef farmers oppose the EU-Mercosur deal because they fear being undercut by cheaper South American beef. But Government sources have told the Irish Times that Italy's vote is the crucial vote that the deal hinges on. Mr Martin made the comments while on a diplomatic visit to China, the Irish Times reported. The protest will be attended by the Irish Farmer's Association, Sinn Féin, and various farming organisations, among others.

Source: The Herald January 07, 2026 19:38 UTC