Doherty and Mac Lochlainn: ‘Mercosur vote a major victory but fight not over‘

Donegal Sinn Féin Deputies Pearse Doherty and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn have said that today’s vote in the European Parliament to refer the Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court of Justice is a major political victory.  

They said that this vote is a clear signal that Mercosur is not a done deal and that over the coming months, all shoulders must be put to the wheel to ensure this deal is defeated for good. 

 Teachta Doherty said: “The vote today in the European Parliament to refer the Mercosur trade agreement to the European Court of Justice is a huge political victory for Irish farmers, consumers, and everyone who believes that trade policy must serve people rather than corporate interests. 

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"At a time when the Irish Government failed to build a blocking minority to stop this deal, Sinn Féin chose to fight, defend Ireland’s interests and build alliances in the European parliament. Today that fight has delivered real results.

"Sinn Féin MEPs, Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion, played a central role in drafting the motion, building alliances across the Left Group, and driving this challenge through the European Parliament.

"It is appalling that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael MEPs, including Maria Walsh MEP, voted against this motion in the Parliament.

"The vote represents the most significant roadblock yet placed in the path of a flawed and dangerous trade deal. It will delay the implementation of Mercosur for up to 18 months, potentially longer, and places the agreement under formal legal scrutiny as to whether it breaches EU treaties and law."

Teachta Mac Lochlainn added: “This vote is a clear indication that Mercosur is not a done deal. It confirms that there are significant and legitimate concerns about food safety, human rights abuses, environmental destruction and the devastating effect this agreement would have on farming in ireland. 

“The referral to the European Court of Justice provides vital political space - but that space must now be used. Mercosur has been blocked, not buried. 

“That means sustained pressure on the Irish Government to oppose Mercosur at EU level, meaningful engagement with MEPs and governments across member states.

“Government must also now ensure that Ursula von der Leyen does not attempt to provisionally apply this deal, and government MEPs must resist any such attempts within their political groups.

“Sinn Féin will continue to lead that effort - standing with farmers and consumers, protecting the environment, defending public health and insisting that Ireland’s trade policy reflects our values, not the demands of powerful corporate lobbies.

"Over the coming months, all shoulders must be put to the wheel to ensure this deal is defeated for good."