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MP Dáire Hughes believes the EU-Mercosur trade deal which is to be signed by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen in Paraguay this Saturday represents a serious and growing threat to farmers both north and south, and has accused the Irish Government of failing to act when it had the chance.
The Newry and Armagh MP said “The Irish Government had a responsibility to stop Mercosur and they failed completely in that task. They had multiple opportunities to act, to build opposition and to defend farmers across the island of Ireland - north and south - and they chose not to.
Mr Hughes said that a similar trade agreement by the British Government is being considered “That would further expose farmers in the North to unfair competition and low-standard imports, piling pressure on an already fragile sector."
“Mercosur will only compound these problems. It opens the door to low-standard imports that will undercut local producers, drive down prices and weaken environmental, animal welfare and food standards. Agriculture on this island is deeply interconnected - a bad trade deal does not recognise borders." he added.
Me Hughes said Sinn Fein believe Mercosur is a bad deal for farmers, consumers and rural communities.
“The actions of the Irish Government and the direction being taken by the British Government only reinforce the need for Irish unity and a consistent, all-island government that puts the interests of farmers and our people first, right across this island.”
