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20 Jan 2026

Mayo TD in Strasbourg addressing farmers protest ahead of key Mercosur vote

Deputy Lawless is meeting throughout the week with MEPs from Belgium, Czechia, Italy, Romania and Spain lobbying them to refer the Mercosur trade deal to the European Court of Justice

Mayo TD in Strasbourg addressing farmers protest ahead of key Mercosur vote

Francie Gorman ,President of IFA, and Aontú TD for Mayo Paul Lawless in Strasbourg this morning.

Reporter:

Ronan O'Donnell

20 Jan 2026 5:31 PM

Email:

ronan.odonnell@iconicnews.ie

Aontú TD Paul Lawless is pacing the corridors of the European Parliament ahead of a critical European vote as part of Aontú's intensive lobbying campaign as pressure mounts on those backing the EU–Mercosur trade agreement. 
Deputy Lawless is meeting throughout the week with MEP's from Belgium, Czechia, Italy, Romania and Spain lobbying them to refer the Mercosur trade deal to the European Court of Justice. The Irish Farmers’ Association is standing shoulder to shoulder with their European counterparts at a protest in Strasbourg highlighting the dangers and flaws of this deal. 
Speaking from Strasbourg today Deputy Lawless said “The political ground beneath the deal is continuing to shift. 70 MEP's abstained on Mercosur safeguards in December. We have gotten confirmation that some of those MEP's who abstained will be voting in favour of referring the trade deal to the ECJ. We've also been told that some of those who voted for the deal at that stage are changing their tune. This vote could be on a knife-edge. Every conversation matters and there is momentum building amongst MEP's.”
“The IFA alongside farmers from all over Europe are here because their livelihoods, food standards and rural futures are on the line. This deal is going to cut the legs out from farmers as they see lower quality beef imported and sold at a cheaper rate.”
Deputy Lawless also criticised the absence of senior Government figures from the negotiations.
“The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste should be here today, in Strasbourg, making the case for Irish farmers. This is a crucial point in negotiations, and they should be using any pull they have to stand up for Irish agriculture. Today I am walking the corridors of the parliament, meeting MEP's in their offices, in their canteen, speaking up for my country and constituents. 
"The procedural vote scheduled for Wednesday, 21 January on whether Mercosur should be referred to the European Court of Justice represents a critical opportunity. A referral to the ECJ would legally freeze this agreement and allow proper scrutiny of its environmental, competition and legal implications.” 
“The ink on this deal may be wet, but its political foundations are already cracking. Farmers across Europe are mobilising, MEPs are shifting, and the majority is anything but secure. I will continue meeting MEP's throughout today and tomorrow to ensure Irish farmers are not sold out by this Commission", concluded Lawless. 

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