Coughlan urged to take tough stance in the wake of WTO talks collapse

THE multi-billion euro Irish beef and dairy industries have urged Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan to remain resolute in her defence of European agribusiness following the collapse of the WTO talks.

And chief executive of the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) John Whelan said: “As a consequence, Irish trade with the US, South America, China, India and Africa will suffer”.

In a joint statement, the Irish Dairy Industries Association (IDIA) and the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) called on the Minister to use the current suspension of the talks as a twin purpose opportunity.