Mandelson’s replacement will be closely monitored, says IFA

THE approach of Baroness Ashton of Upholland, who has been appointed as the new European commissioner for external trade, will be closely monitored by Irish farmers.

Ashton succeeds Peter Mandelson, who has left the commission to take up the position of secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform in Britain.

Mr Mandelson’s negotiating stance during the world trade talks provoked angry protests by Irish farmers, who accused him of pursuing an old British agenda to sell out their industry.

IFA president Pádraig Walshe said Mr Mandelson had nothing to show for his four years in Brussels except for reckless concessions way beyond his mandate, with no sign of any gains coming from Europe’s trading partners in return.

He said the departure of Mr Mandelson presented the commission with an opportunity for a fresh approach to its stance on international trade.

Mr Walshe said the commission must get away from Mr Mandelson’s disastrous period and focus on the new realities of European food security, and equivalence in food standards and traceability.

Responding to Ashton’s appointment, an IFA spokesman said the EC should embark on a new approach to trade negotiations and take account of food security, standards and traceability.

“The commission president must ensure the new appointee adheres to any mandate agreed in the future,” he said.

Catherine Ashton, an economist, was nominated by British prime minister Gordon Brown, in agreement with the commission’s president Jose Manuel Barroso.

She was Labour’s leader in the House of Lords until now and previously held second-tier ministerial positions in the British Government. Observers say she has significant European experience.