Sectors ‘under threat’ at talks

THERE would be no changes to the Common Agriculture Policy during world trade talks, but Ireland’s beef and diary sector are facing threats, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said.

She was speaking following an emergency meeting of EU ministers in Luxembourg where Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson had his wrist slapped by member states.

Ireland and several other countries were furious when he offered what member states thought to be their bottom line in agriculture cuts last week.