Taoiseach must intervene in EU talks with South American states, says FG

THE European Commission’s decision to reopen trade talks with South American trade group Mercosur on Monday is of vital national importance to Ireland and warrants the intervention of Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Fine Gael spokesman Michael Creed made the call as Ireland and nine other European Union countries prepare to outline their concerns at the move when agriculture ministers also meet in Brussels on Monday

The Irish Farmers Association, as well as Copa-Cogeca, the umbrella body for European farmers and agri co-ops are also objecting to the re-opening of the stalled talks on the grounds that a deal could have a devastating impact on their industries.