Ciaran Mullooly, MEP for Midlands North West, has expressed disappointment at the lack of unity among Irish MEPs - particularly Fine Gael - when it comes to defending robust safeguards for Irish family farmers in the face of major EU trade decisions.
He highlighted the recent European Parliament votes on the Mercosur trade agreement, where a series of crucial amendments were brought forward to strengthen food safety, ensure fair competition, and uphold the interests of rural Ireland.
These amendments called for rigorous scrutiny of the Mercosur deal’s impact on EU sustainability and food safety standards, demanded enforceable guarantees for a level playing field for EU farmers, and insisted that any agreement must fully comply with EU sustainability standards and the reciprocity principle before ratification.
One amendment even called for the deal to be scrapped altogether due to its negative implications for food safety, agricultural sovereignty, and the environment.
MEP Mullooly told the Advertiser that at a time when Irish family farms are under unprecedented pressure, it is more important than ever that Irish MEPs stand together to defend our agricultural sector.
“The lack of solidarity—especially from Fine Gael—on these vital safeguards is deeply disappointing and sends the wrong message to farmers who depend on us for representation and protection.”
He further pointed out that Tánaiste Simon Harris has publicly stated that “if given the chance he will absolutely have the backs of Irish farmers and that the agricultural sector is extraordinarily important to Fine Gael.” MEP Mullooly questioned, “So why have they voted against the wishes of Irish family farmers, and not even told them that they have done so?”
He stressed that members of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI ) have a duty to act as vigilant defenders of Irish and EU food safety and rural livelihoods, dealing directly with the issues before them. “Family farmers and rural communities deserve nothing less than full protection and honest representation at every stage,” MEP Mullooly concluded.
