People Power Works – But the Fight Against Mercosur Is Not Over “Let’s keep it going. We'll see you on Saturday.”

People Power Works – But the Fight Against Mercosur Is Not Over

Independent Ireland has welcomed the announcement that Ireland will oppose the Mercosur trade deal, saying it is clear proof that public pressure, farmer mobilisation and community action on the ground works.

However, the party has warned that the battle is far from over, stressing that the Mercosur deal has not been voted on and nothing is final until MEPs vote in Strasbourg.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the announcement shows the power of collective action but urged farmers and rural communities to keep the pressure on.

“This announcement proves one thing beyond doubt — people power works and pressure works,” Mullooly said.
“But let me be very clear: this deal is not dead. It has not been voted on. Nothing is done until MEPs vote in Strasbourg. That is why it is vital that farmers and communities show their strength again this Saturday.”

Mullooly said the Mercosur agreement remains disastrous for farming, undermining food standards, environmental protections and the viability of family farms across Europe.

“This is not just an Irish issue. Farmers across Europe are watching. The message from Athlone on Saturday must be loud and unmistakable — Mercosur is a bad deal and it must be stopped.”

"In Strasbourg, MEPs will have the final and decisive say on whether the Mercosur Agreement is rejected or ratified."

"The No momentum in the European Parliament is growing, and Irish farmers are actively mobilising and playing a central role in ensuring this damaging agreement is stopped."

MEP Mullooly has now written to the Taoiseach asking him to instruct the Irish Ambassador to the EU today to seek immediately a one month deferral of the discussion at the meeting called by the Cypriot Presidency in Brussels on Friday so that that the Dail and the European Parliament can properly examine the new proposals on safeguards to the deal and the CAP changes.

Independent Ireland agriculture spokesperson TD Michael Fitzmaurice said the announcement would not have happened without sustained pressure from farmers and rural Ireland.

“This didn’t come out of nowhere. It came because farmers stood up, organised, and refused to be ignored,” Fitzmaurice said.
“But if people think the work is finished, they are mistaken. Europe needs to see that opposition to Mercosur is real, organised and growing.”

Party leader Michael Collins TD said Saturday’s national mobilisation is about ensuring that Europe hears the message directly from the people most affected.

“This deal threatens Irish farming, rural jobs and food standards,” Collins said.
“The only language Europe understands is pressure. That’s why Saturday matters. A strong turnout sends a clear signal that Ireland will not accept a trade deal that sells out our farmers.”

Independent Ireland said the protest will also demonstrate solidarity with farmers across Europe who are facing the same threat from the Mercosur agreement.

“We urge farmers, families and communities to come out on Saturday, stand together, and make their voices heard.”

“People power works. Pressure works. Let’s keep it going. We'll see you on Saturday.”