Mairéad Farrell: Ceta will have 'a chilling effect on democracy'

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has done a U-turn on his opposition to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU

The vote on Ceta will be the litmus test for the Eamon Ryan and the Green Party: No party that considers itself democratic, let alone concerned for the environment, could possibly support its ratification. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

The year is 2017 and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is visiting Ireland. Outside the gates of Leinster House, opposition TDs gather to protest the much maligned Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) between Canada and Europe. 

Before a camera stands Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party and one of its only two TDs.