The Sinn Féin MEP and European Parliament election candidate for the Midlands North West, Chris MacManus has reaffirmed his party’s opposition to the Mercosur Trade Agreement, which he has described as “bad for the environment and bad for Ireland”

Speaking from Galway, MacManus said,

“Many people across Ireland are worried about regressive trade deals, such as the Mercosur Trade Agreement. The Mercosur trade deal is bad for the environment and bad for Ireland, and I call on all MEP candidates to make their positions on it clear. 

“The Mercosur Trade Agreement could see South American beef, which is produced with techniques which are prohibited by the European Union, enter our market.

“This is about common sense and fairness for Irish farmers. Irish farmers are already to the pin of their collar amid rising costs. They need MEPs who will stand up for them, not undermine them. On top of this, the Mercosur Trade Agreement could result in increased carbon leakage and risks being bad for the planet and undermining attempts to tackle climate change.

“I am proud to have stood up for Irish farmers in my time as an MEP, to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are respected. 

“Sinn Féin’s team of EU election candidates are all committed to continuing this fight. Sinn Féin’s team of MEPs will oppose trade agreements that would facilitate the importation of food produced through methods banned by the EU.”