Longford farmers ‘betrayed’ by implementation of EU-Mercosur deal despite vote to delay

County Longford farmers feel 'betrayed' by the 'anti-democratic' implementation of the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen who is coming across like a 'dictator', according to the IFA County Chair.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would provisionally implement the multi-billion euro deal while awaiting for a ruling on its legality from the European Court of Justice.

There has been some criticism that the provisional implementation of the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement on Friday 'undermines' the democratic process.

Related: Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly: Referral of Mercosur to European Court 'a critical step in defending farmers'

IFA County Chair John Sheridan said local farmers feel let down but are not surprised by the latest development.

"It wasn't unexpected, the threat was there the whole time that by law she could do it and she was going to run ahead with it anyways.

"We are very disappointed, angry more so, but she (von der Leyen) is coming across as a pure dictator, hell-bent on getting the go-ahead for this anyways.

"They were going to get it through at some stage anyways."

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has strongly campaigned against the deal and claimed beef farmers here will be at a big disadvantage when the market is opened to cheaper South American products produced to lower standards.

Read: Sit-in protest at Bord Bia ends following promise of review

Asked about the reaction of farmers, Mr Sheridan said, "I'd call it betrayed more than anything else.

"At least give the courts a chance, if you believe in democracy, and then decide whether the thing could go ahead the way it is or not.

"We are after fighting this thing for 20 years, another two years wasn't going to make or break anybody." A majority of MEPs and a total of nine Irish MEPs including local Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly , voted last month to refer the EU-Mercosur deal to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) so it could give its legal opinion.

However, four Irish MEPs, including Midlands North-West MEP Maria Walsh who stated 'more certainty' was needed for farmers, voted against referring Mercosur to the EU court.

Mr Mullooly said he 'strongly condemns' the decision by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to proceed with the provisional application of the EU–Mercosur Trade Agreement.”

The Lanesboro native said the the decision ignores the position taken by the European Parliament and the ongoing legal process before the Court of Justice and he warned that the move 'undermines democratic process and legal certainty'.

“This move represents a clear breach of the democratic position adopted by the European Parliament, which has sought judicial clarification before any implementation of the agreement."

"To advance implementation in the absence of judicial determination undermines the authority of the Court and disregards the institutional balance established under the EU Treaties.”

Mr Mullooly said that respect for legal process is essential in EU trade policy and international trade agreements 'must be compliant not only with political preference but with binding legal obligations' .

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh told the Leader just under two weeks ago she voted against referring the Mercosur deal to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to give its legal opinion as  she believed farmers needed more certainty.

Related: MEP Maria Walsh's Longford visit and how ECJ Mercosur deal referral 'has backfired'

However, on Friday she said while the development came as no surprise to her she was "bitterly disappointed" with the news.

"I warned that the court referral would not block this deal - it would only change the route by which it comes into force."

"MEPs who voted in favour of the referral should feel the full weight of their decisions today."

“While provisional application is legally within the Commission’s powers, I believe it runs against the spirit of cooperation between EU institutions."

"MEPs should have had their say before any part of this agreement was activated."

Mr Sheridan said he believes Mr Mullooly is 'doing his best', however, he was critical of Ms Walsh.

"She hasn't once done what the farmers asked her to do," he added.

Ms Walsh, who responded to the criticism, said she believed Mr Sheridan's statement was 'completely untrue'.

"I’ve fought for farmers’ interests at every stage, meeting them on the ground and raising their concerns in Brussels on a daily basis.

"The farmers I represent across Midlands-North West know this - which is my top priority."