Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Kenny TD, has once again outlined Sinn Féin’s absolute opposition to the Mercosur trade deal.

Deputy Kenny’s comments come as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing ahead with the trade deal during her visit to Uruguay today.

Teachta Kenny said:

“Once again, I want to outline our complete and unconditional opposition to Mercosur. This has always been Sinn Féin’s position.

“I want to be clear that there are no conditions to our opposition. The same cannot be said for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

“Any representative who claims to be a voice for farmers would oppose Mercosur at every hand’s turn. All we have seen in this regard from previous Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments is a very quiet and soft opposition which is not what our farmers want.

“They refuse to put on record a complete opposition to Mercosur despite the repeated requests of all agriculture and farming organisations.

“Let me be clear yet again – Sinn Féin are opposing Mercosur, full stop.

“Our opposition to this trade deal is not conditional. We are standing for farmers, for rural communities, and for the high quality beef Ireland is known for in the EU and worldwide.

“The same cannot be said for Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael or Independent Ireland. They have abandoned farmers at every opportunity.”