Coughlan clashes with Mandelson

AGRICULTURE Minister Mary Coughlan clashed with EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson when they met to discuss the current WTO talks.

The minister said there was nothing for Ireland, for its farmers, industry or services in the budding WTO deal following their meeting in Brussels last night.

Following tense discussions the commission agreed to thrash out the technical issues, especially those relating to Irish beef, at further meetings.