Commission confirmation that Mercosur will require unanimity will put FG & FF rhetoric to the test – Matt Carthy MEP
Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has described as “pivotal” an admission this week by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malstrom that the trade deal with Mercosur will require the unanimous support of all member states. The Midlands North West representative said that this now meant that the rhetoric of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil representatives would be put to the test as Ireland is clearly in a position to reject this “devastating” trade agreement.
Speaking in the European Parliament’s International Trade committee on Tuesday Ms. Malstrom stated “Mercosur is a mixed agreement so yes there will have to be unanimity there (at EU Council level) and the Member States parliaments also ratifying it”.
Matt Carthy said:
“The Dáil has already supported a Sinn Féin motion that that the EU-Mercosur trade deal be rejected because of the devastating impact it will have on the environment, the Irish economy and on crucial indigenous sectors, especially agriculture. That vote must be respected and implemented by the government.
“Since the announcement of the political agreement of this deal we have heard plenty of rhetoric from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil representatives supporting Sinn Féin’s analysis that it will be bad for Ireland. Admittedly, the language coming from Fine Gael has softened as it appeared more likely that they would be in a position to block the deal. The confirmation from the EU Commissioner responsible for trade that Mercosur will require unanimity will now put the rhetoric to the ultimate test. Will Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael be willing to stand up for Irish interests in the face of pressure from the European Commission and foreign corporations?
“For Sinn Féin, our position is clear and we will continue to fight this devastating agreement at domestic and EU level. Many people with a concern for our environment, economy and our crucial agriculture sector will be watching closely to see who is with us”.
ENDS
