‘No game was ever won in the first half’: Limerick TD on Mercosur deal

Independent Ireland’s Richard and John O’Donoghue with Martinstown’s John Moloney, of the Beef Plan Movement

placeholder image — Independent Ireland’s Richard and John O’Donoghue with Martinstown’s John Moloney, of the Beef Plan Movement

Anger over trade deal draws up to 30,000 to major protest in Westmeath

LIMERICK was well-represented at the protest against the EU–Mercosur trade deal in Athlone with Deputy Richard O’Donoghue declaring, “It is not too little too late”.

The Independent Ireland-organised event saw almost 30,000 people descend on Westmeath - higher than many had forecast.

EU countries gave provisional clearance last week for the trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay - but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament. Ireland voted against the deal in its current form.

The multi-billion euro trade deal would mean Limerick, Irish and EU farmers having to compete with lower-cost South American beef. Concerns have been expressed by farming bodies about Brazilian beef meeting EU standards.

Last month, Brazilian beef containing banned hormones entered the Irish food chain, confirmed the Department of Agriculture who were notified by the Food Safety Authority.

Deputy O’Donoghue was joined in Athlone by fellow Independent Ireland elected members Cllrs John O’Donoghue and Tommy Hartigan and many supporters.

Deputy O’Donoghue thanked each and everyone who turned out to protest.

“It is not too little too late, no game has ever been won in the first half,” said the TD.

Farmers, hauliers, small business owners, hunting clubs and families travelled from every corner of the country to take part. Many carried placards and banners protesting the importation of cheaper meat from South America, and what they see as “a betrayal of Irish food standards and rural livelihoods”.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the protest marked the start of a wider campaign to block the deal in the European Parliament.

“We’ve had calls from MEPs across Europe in the last few days. The tide is turning. What happened in Athlone is only the beginning,” he said.

Organisers expressed sincere thanks to the people and businesses of Athlone for their patience and support, and paid tribute to An Garda Síochána and the voluntary stewards for their role in ensuring a safe and successful day.

Separately, Supermac’s managing director Pat McDonagh said, in a statement, that Irish beef is recognised around the world as the gold standard.

“As a significant purchaser of Irish beef, we have always been clear: Supermac’s will only ever use Irish beef. Not because it’s convenient, but because it is the best.

"And the reason it is the best is because of the standards Irish farmers meet every single day. Supermac’s was founded in rural Ireland, and our values were shaped there — by farm families, by local communities, and by an understanding that standards matter because livelihoods depend on them,” said Mr McDonagh.