The Government’s decision to vote against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement is the wrong decision for Ireland, according to Fine Gael councillor Eoin O’Driscoll.
Cllr O’Driscoll said he was disappointed by the decision, arguing that Ireland’s economy is among the most open and export oriented in the world and that high value exports remain the main driver of economic growth and prosperity.
“It is very disappointing that the Irish government has decided to vote against the Mercosur trade agreement,” he said.
He said Ireland’s reliance on international trade meant the country was particularly exposed to global trends away from free trade.
“One in three Irish jobs is supported by Irish and EU global exports. Therefore, we are particularly reliant on an open, rule-based global trading regime,” he said.
Cllr O’Driscoll (pictured above) said the global shift away from free trade was a real concern and that Ireland should be a leading voice within the European Union in favour of free trade and expanded trade agreements.
“Ireland should be a leading voice for free trade and expanded trade agreements within the European Union.
“Ensuring our continued access to global markets is essential to maintain our prosperity,” he said.
He acknowledged concerns raised by specific sectors and said it was important that the Government and TDs had sought to secure concessions during negotiations, including for Irish beef farmers.
However, he said these concerns should not outweigh the overall benefits of the agreement.
“While it was important that our government and TDs fought hard to secure significant concessions as good a deal as possible for specific Irish sectoral interests including Irish beef farmers, we should be wholeheartedly supporting the overall agreement,” he said.
Cllr O’Driscoll said Ireland needed to take a more strategic view of trade policy, particularly in the current geopolitical climate.
“Ireland needs to take a more strategic view of its stance on trade. In the current geopolitical climate, we cannot afford to take populist decisions against free trade agreements that are integral to supporting our export-reliant economy,” he said.
He added that Fine Gael in government should be more vocal in making the case for free trade and in encouraging other EU member states to bring agreed trade deals into effect.
“Fine Gael in government should be stepping up to extol the benefits of free trade to our economy and pushing other Member States to bring agreed trade agreements into effect as soon as possible.
“We need to put the long-term national good above narrow sectoral interests,” he said.
