The Government was sent a clear message by rural Ireland during today’s protest against the Mercosur deal in Athlone.
That’s the view of Sligo-Leitrim Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny, who says farmers were left feeling betrayed over negotiations around the trade deal.
Thousands of tractors and protestors on foot protested in the midlands town before gathering at the TÚS campus this afternoon.
Yesterday, EU member states voted in favour of Mercosur which will give South American beef access to the European market.
Deputy Kenny accused the Government of not doing enough to oppose the deal:
Farmers across the Shannonside region will continue to oppose the Mercosur trade deal following today’s major protest in Athlone.
That’s according to John Sheridan of Longford IFA who marched with branch members this morning.
He says today’s turnout was clear evidence of the anger among farmers – and didn’t rule out further protests: