Too much is at steak

Govt inaction blasted as Mercosur deal to pass

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN in Shanghai

THE Government was accused of doing “too little too late” after deciding yesterday to vote against a massive EU trade deal to avoid a “mutiny” in the Coalition.

But, the Mercosur agreement with South American nations is still expected to be approved today, without Ireland's support.

Speaking in Shanghai, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed the Government would be in the no camp over fears that cheaper Brazilian beef could devastate the Irish farm industry.

But opposition TDs accused Mr Martin of an 11th-hour U-turn to keep rural independents from walking out of government.

Mr Martin said Ireland had sought safeguards for farmers but did not get enough to support the deal.