Massive Athlone rally says 'No to Mercosur'

"The first half may be over, but no match was ever won at half-time".

These were the stirring words of Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly voiced to protesters during the national rally against the EU's proposed Mercosur trade deal with countries in South America.

According to the event organisers, Independent Ireland, approximately 20,000 protesters converged on Athlone on Saturday morning for the day-long rally.

All roads into the town were flooded with tractors from an early stage as protesters showed a united front in their opposition to the proposed trade deal which was provisionally approved by the EU on Friday last.

The largest gathering was on the N61 Roscommon Road, where tailbacks to Daly’s Pub in Kiltoom were reported.

The cavalcade then proceeded along the Athlone bypass before leaving at Junction 10 and heading to TUS via the Ballymahon Road and Cornamaddy.

The first tractors arrived in Garrycastle shortly after 11am, with hundreds more taking part in the protest which continued for a number of hours.

Some 5,000 people are estimated to have gathered in TUS International Arena and overflow areas for speeches from representatives of political groups, farming and community organisations.

Many of those in the tractor and truck rally opted not to stay for the formal speeches.

Despite EU countries granting provisional approval for the trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay (the Mercosur countries), it must be ratified by the European Parliament.

Irish farmers have voiced concern that the pact could threaten beef exports to Europe due to the introduction of lower-cost Brazilian beef. Fears have also been voiced regarding lower production standards in the Mercosur countries.

Speaking on Monday evening from the EU Parliament in Brussels, MEP Mullooly said he was "overwhelmed" by the support shown on a "united front" by farmers who wish to see the EU-Mercosur deal permanently rejected.

"This was the largest ever protest rally held outside of Dublin and it was a clearly evident show of public strength and unity that Ireland says 'No to Mercosur'’," the MEP said.

The MEP said that when he arrived back to his office in Brussels, the protest rally was a topic of conversation amongst his EU peers.

He said that the "first step" had been taken and now it was time to persuade all 14 Irish MEPS to reject the provisionally approved agreement.

MEP Mullooly said he was also determined to focus on "wavering MEPs" from Italy, Holland and France and persuade them that Mercosur was a "bad move" for Europe.

With no date set for a vote by MEPs on the provisionally approved agreement (it is expected to take place within the next eight weeks), the MEP said he will continue his quest on behalf of the farmers of Ireland and Europe.

"On my return this morning I presented a 'No to Mercosur' petition with 30,000 names to the office of the EU President Ursula Von der Leyen, a clear message from the Irish farmers that we won't accept this agreement.

"I have also called on our EU Commissioner Michael McGrath to intervene with the EU President who is seeking to implement the agreement before a democratic vote by MEPs to ratify the deal takes place. This is setting a dangerous precedent and should not be allowed to happen by any means," MEP Mullooly said.

The MEP's words echoed the tone of those spoken by the numerous speakers who addressed the protesters in TUS International Arena at the weekend.

Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who, with MEP Mullooly and local Independent Ireland councillor Paul Hogan, were chief organisers of the event, said the rally was "all about the farmers".

"Europe doesn't like bad publicity and people standing up for themselves. Irish farmers will not accept this deal, and I believe there are a lot of farmers in Italy and Greece and other EU countries rebelling against this agreement too," Deputy Fitzmaurice said.

The Deputy said it was vital to have all 14 Irish MEPs "on board" and voting against the deal.

"Not all of our own MEPs are standing up against this deal. They have to show they are united against Mercosur and then form alliances with their EU counterparts to ensure that this deal is blocked," Deputy Fitzmaurice said.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said that 128kgs of substandard "hormone beef" from Brazil had already entered the market in Ireland.

"It's disgusting that this has happened and can only damage the agriculture sector," the Deputy added.

The Deputy lauded all those who had travelled to Athlone for the rally where "united as one" they sent out a clear message to Europe.

"You have given us a clear message here today. It is our job to keep the torch lit and keep the flag flying as we say 'No to Mercosur'", the TD concluded.

Representing the farming community, President of the Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) Francie Gorman said the fight will "go on in the EU Parliament" to ensure "the deal is rejected".

"We have to show a united front working together to ensure that this deal is stopped at EU level. It is incredible to think that the EU Commission, which protests that it has our backs, have pushed on and are now trying to ratify this deal.

"This is a bad deal for consumers, rural Ireland and farmers and has to be rejected. This fight will continue," Mr Gorman stated.

A total of 20 speakers from a cross section of political, farming and rural organisations took to the plinth in the centre of TUS international arena to voice their opposition to the EU-Mercosur deal, proceedings coming to a conclusion with a rousing version of the Irish rugby anthem, 'Ireland's Call'.