National protest rally hears united 'No to Mercosur' plea

A rousing version of 'Ireland's Call' brought proceedings to a close at the national protest rally against Mercosur in TUS international arena this afternoon (Saturday).

The song was an apt choice by Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, the lyrics of which ('together standing tall') summed up the mood of the substantial sized crowd which had gathered in the arena to hear from public figures in the political, farming and rural sectors.

Hundreds of tractors and trucks converged on Athlone throughout the morning ahead of a number of speeches at the event which was organised by Independent Ireland.

On Friday, EU countries granted provisional approval for the trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay (the Mercosur countries), but it still must be ratified by the European Parliament.

Irish farmers have voiced concern that the deal could threaten beef exports to Europe due to the introduction of lower-cost Brazilian beef.

Speaking at the rally, Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said that "as a nation, Ireland must say 'No to Mercosur'".

"We must stand together to protect our livelihoods. Irish citizens do not want beef that is contaminated with hormones entering our market.

"Untraceable and unidentifiable beef must not be allowed undercut or farmers and threaten consumer safety," MEP Mullooly said.

The Independent MEP said a "clear message" must be sent to the Irish Government, the EU Commission and the 720 MEPs" who will "decide if this trade deal goes through".

"I won't apologise for doing my job and defending the rights of our farming sector all of the time. Yes, the first half maybe over but no match was ever won at half-time," MEP Mullooly stated.

President of the IFA Francie Gorman said the fight will "go on in the EU Parliament" to ensure "the deal is rejected".

"We have to show a united front working together to ensure that this deal is stopped at EU level.

"It is incredible to think that EU Commission, which protests that it has our backs, have pushed on and are trying to ratify this deal.

"This is a bad deal for consumers, rural Ireland and farmers and has to be rejected. The fight will go on," Mr Gorman said.

Concluding proceedings, Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice said the national protest rally was "all about the farmers".

"It is a great day to see all farming organisations united as one. This is apolitical. It is about the farmers of this country who are being shafted with a dirty, rotten deal," the TD said.

Saying that the "fight will continue", Deputy Fitzmaurice said that it was now the job of public representatives "to stand up and speak up" on behalf of the farming population.

"You have given us a clear message here today. It is our job to keep the torch lit and keep the flag flying as we say 'No to Mercosur'", the TD concluded.

*A more in-depth report of the EU-Mercosur national protest rally will appear in next week's print editions.