State must declare WTO stance

ALL-PARTY support in a recent Dáil debate strengthened the Government’s hand for any action it might take to resist an unfavourable world trade deal — such as a veto bid to prevent the EU agreeing to such a deal.

Indeed, it may be approaching the time for the Government to declare under what circumstances it would play the veto card.

Such a declaration might not carry much weight internationally, but it would carry considerable weight in persuading farmers to vote in favour of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty in this summer’s referendum.