Tuesday 13 January 2026
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Local Public Representative for Cork North West Region

Email : johnpaul.oshea@oireachtas.ie

Rejecting Mercosur is the Right Decision for Irish Farmers

Jan 08, 2026

Rejecting Mercosur is the Right Decision for Irish Farmers

The Government’s decision to vote against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement is the correct decision for farmers in Cork, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O’Shea has said.

 

Deputy O’Shea said: “This decision reflects the importance of standing up for Ireland’s farmers and agri-food sector and ensuring that trade policy aligns with climate and environmental commitments as well as high health food standards. Fine Gael has been firm in defending farmers and the world-class standards they uphold every day. Any trade agreement must be fair, sustainable and compatible with our environmental goals. In its current form, the Mercosur deal does not meet those standards.”

 

Deputy O’Shea added “Ireland’s position sends a clear message at EU level that economic opportunity cannot come at the expense of human health, rural livelihoods or climate responsibility”.

 

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