'There's opposition to rotten trade deal right across the continent'

THOUSANDS of Irish farmers have participated in a rolling protest in the heart of the country as anger grows over the progression of the EU-Mercosur deal.

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

On Friday, the EU ambassador approved a trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay - but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament.

The Irish Government voted against the deal in its current form, with senior Cabinet figures insisting that negotiations are not finalised.

The trade deal with the EU involves four Mercosur countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Irish beef farmers are concerned that the deal could threaten their exports to Europe due to the introduction of lower-cost Brazilian beef.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) welcomed the Government decision to vote no, insisting the proposed safeguards in the document to do not give assurances that Brazilian beef will meet EU standards.